Exit polls show Germany’s opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leading in the national election, positioning its leader, Friedrich Merz, to become the next chancellor. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) secured second place, achieving its best-ever result. Germany’s election authority reports that 52 percent of eligible voters had cast their ballots four hours before polling stations closed. Chancellor Olaf Scholz has conceded defeat after opposition leader Friedrich Merz declared victory. The early election was called after Scholz's coalition collapsed in November.