Germany's Social Democrats face historic defeat in recent elections

In the recent German elections, Friedrich Merz's CDU/CSU party led with 29% of the vote, securing 211 seats. The far-right AfD improved its position but remains isolated, winning 142 seats with 19.5% support. Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats (SPD) faced a historic defeat, finishing third with 16% and 116 seats, their worst result since World War II. The Greens gained 98 seats with 13.5% of the vote. The elections were prompted by the collapse of Scholz's coalition. Complex coalition talks are expected, with potential partners including the Greens and the Free Democrats, who are struggling to gain representation.