Germany's far-right AfD becomes second-largest party as coalition talks begin

Germany's recent election saw a significant shift in power, with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) becoming the second-largest party in the Bundestag. The Social Democratic Party (SPD), led by Olaf Scholz, suffered its worst-ever result, prompting discussions of a new coalition. Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) emerged as the likely new chancellor. He faces challenges in forming a coalition, particularly regarding migration policies, as the SPD resists hardline measures demanded by potential allies. The election highlighted a growing public discontent with mainstream parties, as many voters shifted to the AfD. This change raises concerns about the future of Germany's political landscape and the potential for far-right influence in governance.