Germany braces for election as far-right party gains support

Germany is preparing for a crucial election on Sunday, following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition government. Polls show the conservative CDU/CSU bloc, led by Friedrich Merz, with around 30% support, while Scholz's Social Democrats are at about 15%. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is expected to achieve historic results, polling around 20%. This surge is fueled by public anger over recent violent incidents linked to immigration, including a tragic car attack in Munich. Merz has ruled out forming a government with the AfD, emphasizing the need for a strong conservative voice in Europe. However, he will likely need to partner with another party to secure a governing majority, complicating the path ahead.