German Election: CDU’s Merz Declares Victory, Scholz Admits Defeat

Germany has headed to the polls this Sunday for snap federal elections in a vote that will shape the course of the EU’s largest member state and its biggest economy for the next four years.

The incoming government will inherit an economy that has shrunk for two years in a row for the first time in decades, burdened by bureaucracy, rising energy costs and a once-crucial car industry struggling to keep up with demand for electric vehicles.

Germany’s conservative parties and far-right AfD lead in the polls, with the centre-right CDU’s Friedrich Merz likely to become chancellor, replacing Olaf Scholz from the centre-left SPD.

Merz’s party is pushing for tax cuts, reform of the country’s ailing military and a radical overhaul of its immigration and asylum rules.

Meanwhile, AfD leader Alice Weidel has made headlines for her unexpected bond with South African-born tech billionaire Elon Musk. The AfD has long been critical of the European Union and has said Germany should exit the bloc.

Euronews’ TV show is live from 5:30 pm, in which a number of notable guests analyse the political meaning of the results and the impact on Europe. We will also follow the first reactions from the German leaders. Tune in and watch our live coverage in the player above.