German Conservatives Win Election as Far-Right AfD Achieves Historic Gains

The CDU-CSU secures 29% of the vote, while the AfD reaches a record-breaking 20%, reshaping Germany's political landscape.

Friedrich Merz, leader of the CDU-CSU, is set to become Germany's next chancellor and aims to form a coalition government swiftly.
The far-right AfD, led by Alice Weidel, achieved its highest-ever national result, finishing second with 20% of the vote.
Economic leaders in Germany are urging the rapid formation of a stable government to address the country's economic challenges after two consecutive years of recession.
International reactions include Donald Trump celebrating the results as a 'great day for Germany and the U.S.' and NATO leaders emphasizing the need for strong European leadership.
Alice Weidel has called for cooperation with the conservatives, but the CDU-CSU has so far ruled out any alliance with the AfD.