Exit polls for the federal elections in Germany predict the Christian Democrats leading with around 33% of the vote, followed by the populist Alternative for Germany at nearly 20%. CDU leader Friedrich Merz pledges not to form a coalition with AfD. The centrist CDU may need to partner with the far-left Greens to form a government.
Key Points
CDU projected to have 29% of the vote
AfD projected to have 19.5% of the vote
Centrist CDU may need to partner with far-left Greens
Pros
Christian Democrats leading in the exit polls
Potential for a new government under CDU leadership
Cons
Populist AfD coming in strong at nearly 20%
Potential challenges in forming a coalition government