Germany votes in election focused on economy migration and far-right rise

German voters are electing a new government amid concerns about economic stagnation, migration issues, and the future of Ukraine. The center-right opposition, led by Friedrich Merz, is expected to win, with the far-right Alternative for Germany party gaining significant support. This election was moved up seven months after Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition collapsed. Polls show Merz's Union bloc leading, while Scholz's Social Democrats face their worst results since World War II. The far-right AfD is polling around 20%, a notable increase from previous elections. Candidates are proposing different strategies to address economic challenges and migration. Merz aims to tighten border controls, while mainstream parties continue to support Ukraine. The new government will need to navigate coalition negotiations, as no party is likely to achieve an outright majority.