German Election Results: CDU/CSU Alliance Wins with Friedrich Merz as Next Chancellor

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Germany's conservative CDU/CSU alliance led by Friedrich Merz has won Sunday's elections with between 28.5 and 29 percent of the vote, according to first TV exit polls. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) followed in second place with 19.5 to 20 percent, roughly doubling its result in the last election in 2021, based on initial figures from public broadcasters ARD and ZDF. The surge of the anti-immigration AfD was fuelled by public fears over immigration and security after a spate of deadly attacks blamed on migrants and worries about the ailing economy. Despite the strong result, the AfD is set to stay out of power for now, because its possible coalition partners refuse all cooperation with the far right.

If the exit polls are confirmed in the final count, Merz looks near certain to become the next chancellor of Europe's top economy. But in order to build a majority in parliament, he would have to team up with one or more parties, potentially the Social Democrats (SPD) of outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The SPD recorded what was likely to be their worst result in the history of Germany's post-war democracy, with between 16 and 16.5 percent. The Greens, another possible partner for the CDU/CSU, had 12 to 13.5 percent of the votes according to the exit polls. The exact opportunities could depend on the final result for smaller parties, including the far-left Linke, the pro-business Free Democrats (FDP), and the left-wing populist BSW, with the following statistical data: * CDU/CSU: 28.5-29% * AfD: 19.5-20% * SPD: 16-16.5% * Greens: 12-13.5% * Linke: 8.5-9% * FDP: around 5% * BSW: below 5%.

The election results have significant implications for Germany's future, with the CDU/CSU alliance and the AfD gaining ground. The SPD and the Greens, on the other hand, have suffered losses. The pro-business FDP and the left-wing populist BSW have failed to pass the 5% threshold, which could impact the coalition options available to the CDU/CSU alliance. The coalition negotiations are expected to be complex, with multiple parties involved. The outcome of these negotiations will determine the direction of Germany's policy, including its stance on immigration, security, and the economy.

The international community is watching the developments in Germany closely, with leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulating Merz on his victory. The election results are expected to have a significant impact on Germany's relationships with other European countries and its role in the global economy. As the coalition negotiations unfold, it remains to be seen how the new government will address the pressing issues facing Germany, including immigration, security, and the economy.

In the coming days and weeks, the CDU/CSU alliance will need to navigate the complex coalition negotiations, taking into account the interests of multiple parties and stakeholders. The outcome of these negotiations will determine the direction of Germany's policy and its role in the global economy. With the AfD gaining ground and the SPD and Greens suffering losses, the German political landscape is undergoing significant changes. As the country moves forward, it will be important to monitor the developments and assess the implications for Germany's future.