Germany’s centre-right leader Friedrich Merz won federal elections on Sunday, clearing his path to become Chancellor at a time of economic and political upheaval for Europe’s biggest democracy. Merz’s CDU/CSU secured around 29 per cent of the vote,

Germany's top opposition leader Friedrich Merz is set to become the country's next leader after exit polls in the federal election held Sunday show his centre-right CDU party unassailably in front. Vote counting is under way in the country after tens of millions of voters cast their ballots in the key election said to be decisive for the future of Europe's biggest economy and largest EU member state.

Germany’s conservatives won Sunday’s elections, with their leader Friedrich Merz set to become the next chancellor, followed by the far-right AfD in second place after record gains, according to exit polls.