Germans voted in a pivotal election with Olaf Scholz (SPD) seeking re-election against Friedrich Merz (CDU), Alice Weidel (AfD), and Robert Habeck (Greens). The CDU/CSU led with 28.5%, followed by AfD at 20%, SPD at 16%, and Greens at 11.5%. Scholz acknowledged the SPD's defeat, while Merz celebrated the CDU's victory and emphasized the need for swift government formation. Weidel expressed readiness to participate in government, despite Merz's refusal to include AfD. Habeck recognized the Greens' poor performance and highlighted concerns about rising right-wing populism. Vollständiger Artikel (Euronews.com)