Germany's conservatives lead in federal election, exit polls indicate

The Christian Democratic Union and its ally, the Christian Social Union, won the most votes in Germany's federal election, according to exit polls. They received 28.5% of the votes, while the far-right AfD came in second with 20%. This election marks a shift from the previous ruling coalition of the Social Democratic Party, which fell to third place with 16.5%. The SPD had led in the 2021 election, while the AfD was in fourth. The election was significant as it followed the collapse of the previous coalition and occurred during a challenging political and economic period for Germany. The new government will face issues like economic sluggishness and rising far-right sentiments.