Merz leads Germany's conservatives to victory as far-right AfD secures second place

Friedrich Merz's conservative Union bloc is projected to win just under 29% of the vote in Germany's national election, while the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is expected to finish second with about 20%, nearly doubling its previous support. Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats are projected to receive just over 16%, marking their worst result in postwar history. The election was held early after Scholz's coalition collapsed amid dissatisfaction with the government. Merz aims to form a coalition government, but it remains unclear if he will need additional partners. AfD leaders expressed their historic success, while mainstream parties, including Merz's, have ruled out alliances with them.