Exit Polls Show Germany’s Conservatives Secure Victory with AfD in Record Second Place

Germany has elected Friedrich Merz as its next Chancellor, securing nearly 30 percent of the vote according to Reuters' exit polls. The far-right AfD achieved 21 percent of the vote, its highest-ever second-place finish, confirmed by AfD co-leader Alice Weidel. Merz has stated he will not cooperate with the AfD, emphasizing his dedication to traditional values. Mainstream parties have rejected forming any coalition with the AfD, as observed in the election analysis.