Germany’s conservatives celebrate, far-right hits historic high in snap election

Merz, 69, who is set to become the next chancellor, faces complex coalition negotiations after the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party came in second place with a record 20.8%, the far-right's best result in Germany since World War II.

"Let's celebrate tonight and in the morning we'll get to work," Merz told supporters, adding that he was "aware of the responsibility that now lies ahead."

Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democratic Party (SPD) came in third with 16.4% of the vote.

The Greens received 11.6% of the vote and the Left party 8.8%. 

No other parties managed to surpass the 5% threshold required to enter the Bundestag.

On Feb. 6, Merz expressed deep concern about recent developments in the United States during Donald Trump's second term as president. "This is no longer the America we have known," he said.

Ukraine's victory in its war with Russia is expected to be a top international priority for the new German chancellor. 

"For Ukraine, I believe the most important answer is that it must win this war," he said on Jan. 23, explaining that victory means restoring Ukraine's territorial integrity with a democratically legitimate government exercising state sovereignty and full freedom to choose political and military alliances.