The far-right had its strongest showing since World War II, while the center-left Social Democrats had their worst postwar result.

Germany’s election continues a slump for left-leaning parties in affluent countries, often connected to immigration and the economy. Those two issues helped Trump win the presidency. In Canada, Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation. In much of the Europe, the far right has become more popular.

The AfD finished in second place with just under 21 per cent in Sunday's vote, behind only the conservative CDU-CSU which came first on 28.6 per cent.

Elon Musk endorsed AfD, an anti-immigration party that just won the most support of any far-right party since World War II.

In spite of the Tesla CEO's best efforts, the AfD performed no better than had been expected when snap elections were called.

Exit polls show the center-right Christian Democratic Union party leading, with the AfD party heading towards the strongest showing of the far-right since World War II.

Maps show how every district in Germany voted. The conservative Christian Democrats have won the most seats while the far-right AfD placed second.

Friedrich Merz has vowed to prioritize European unity and the continent's security as it grapples with the new Trump administration and Russia's war on Ukraine​.

Germany faces its second change of leader in less than four years after the head of the center-right opposition won Sunday’s election

Merz expressed concern over changing relations with Washington under the Trump administration, emphasizing the need for gradual independence from the U.S.