Millions of Germans are voting in snap elections. The centre-right CDU is predicted to win the biggest share of votes, putting its leader Friedrich Merz in pole position to be next chancellor. Follow live updates.

Friedrich Merz, a man who has never held a government ... with which Paris was awaiting Merz's arrival. Last weekend's Munich Security Conference saw him doing the rounds of European leaders ...

Which is why Merz's idea of reshaping policies vis-à-vis security is worth cherishing for not only his own country but also the whole of Europe. It's clear that Europe needs to end its long dependence on the US, step up building its own defense capabilities, and even find an alternative to NATO if necessary.

After winning the German election, the conservative leader must navigate a new era without Washington as a close ally.

German voters cast their ballots in Sunday’s election, with opposition leader Friedrich Merz claiming victory and Chancellor Olaf Scholz conceding defeat. Alternative for Germany, or AfD, is heading for the strongest showing for a far-right party since World War II.

The victory in the general elections in Germany was expected to be won by the CDU/CSU bloc. He will be asked to form a new government of the country. The new chancellor of Germany will be the leader of the Christian Democrats Friedrich Merz — a man hated by Angela Merkel.