Germany's Friedrich Merz aims for coalition with Social Democrats after election win

Friedrich Merz is poised to become Germany's next chancellor after his party, the CDU/CSU, won 28.5% of the vote in the recent election. However, they lack a parliamentary majority and must form a coalition government. Merz's party has ruled out partnering with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which received 20.8% of the vote. Instead, he is seeking a coalition with the center-left Social Democratic Party, which finished third. The CDU/CSU aims to negotiate quickly to address pressing issues, including the rise of extreme parties and challenges related to migration and security. The coalition talks with the Social Democrats are expected to begin soon.