Germany begins coalition talks after election results

Germany has completed its election, and the focus now shifts to forming a coalition government. No party is expected to secure a majority, so negotiations will involve multiple parties, which could take months. The president will invite the leader of the winning party, likely Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democrats, to begin coalition talks. Initial discussions will assess potential partnerships, with formal negotiations following if parties agree to collaborate. The process can be lengthy, as seen in previous elections. The last coalition took 171 days to form. Until a new government is established, Olaf Scholz will continue as caretaker chancellor.