Germans vote in election as conservatives lead and far-right gains ground

Germans voted in a national election on Sunday, with conservative leader Friedrich Merz's party expected to regain power. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is also projected to achieve its best-ever result, reflecting a shift in public sentiment. The election follows the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition last November. The campaign focused on immigration issues, with rising concerns over irregular migration and economic challenges facing Germany. Coalition negotiations are anticipated to be complex, as mainstream parties have ruled out working with the AfD. Analysts suggest a potential coalition between Merz's conservatives and the Social Democrats, but the fragmented political landscape may complicate governance.