Germany's center-right CDU wins elections as far-right AfD gains support

Germany held elections over the weekend, resulting in a victory for the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which replaced the center-left Social Democrats. The CDU is now positioned to form a new governing coalition in parliament. The far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party achieved its best-ever election results, gaining significant support. However, CDU leader Friedrich Merz has ruled out forming a coalition with the AfD, citing its controversial status. The leftist Die Linke party also performed better than expected, securing 9 percent of the vote. Merz will need to negotiate quickly with the Social Democrats to establish a stable government amid various challenges.