Germany's mainstream conservatives have won the country's national election, while a far-right party surged to become the country's second-largest party.

German voters cast their ballots in Sunday’s election, with opposition leader Friedrich Merz claiming victory. Exit polls also indicate that Alternative for Germany, or AfD, is heading for the strongest showing for a far-right party since World War II.

German conservative leader Friedrich Merz, the country's presumptive next chancellor, has again ruled out cooperating with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) after Sunday's parliamentary election.

The centre-right CDU has emerged as the biggest party in the German election, making Merz the most likely to lead a government, following coalition negotiations.

Germany is set for a shift to the right after the conservative CDU/CSU bloc secured a clear victory in Sunday's elections, as the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) recorded its best-ever performance.

The centre-right Christian Democrats are currently expected to win, while polls suggest Alternative for Germany (AfD) is poised to achieve the best result for a far-right party since WW2.

Friedrich Merz is likely to become Germany’s next leader after his conservative party topped the voting in national elections held Sunday, according to exit polls. Chancellor Olaf Scholz conceded defeat.