German elections - Centre-left SPD claim narrow win over Merkel's party

Germany's centre-left Social Democrats, SPD, have claimed victory in the federal election, telling the party of outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel it should no longer be in power.

SPD leader Olaf Scholz said he had a clear mandate to form a government, while his conservative rival Armin Laschet remains determined to fight on.

The two parties have governed together for years.

But Mr Scholz says it is time for a new coalition with the Greens and liberals.

Preliminary results gave his party a narrow election win over the conservatives who suffered their worst-ever performance.

Despite this, Mr Laschet said his party had given him its backing to enter talks with coalition partners, pushing Germany towards a potentially protracted power struggle.

The Greens and pro-business FDP attracted the most support from the under-30s, in an election dominated by climate change and by differing proposals on how to tackle it. The Greens made history with almost 15% of the vote, even though it was well short of their ambitions.

The Sun newspaper brings you the latest breaking news videos and explainers from the UK and around the world

Become a Sun Subscriber and hit the bell to be the first to know

[andylaauk]

It's all theatre, all an illusion of choice, look at the UK for example.

[orange-un]

No to discriminatory vaccine passports.

[alanharries]

'More respect in our society' is the first thing he said Meet the new boss he's the same as the old boss!

[gardengnome]

Apparently the first thing Boris did when phoning to congratulate Helmit on his election victory was to ask if his wife was free for a night time liaison.

[PsytanicA]

Another one to add to the long list of selected leaders. All elections are boring now.

[joanneholmes]

All puppets cut from the same cloth 😡😡

[ArrowValley]

One step forward but still in the same place.

[matthewsmith]

Germany is well managed, unlike the UK. Good luck to them

[jamescaley]

I recall an old Sun headline: "No clear victor in German elections. Europe breathes sigh of relief".

[icarusdiablo]

He would look like one of his predecessors with a little facial hair, shifty fella with his weasel eyes, doesn’t look very trustworthy at all 😬

[mermaid_girl]

He is the worse Person ever . Worse decisión ever 🚫🚫🚫🚫🚔🚨🚔🚨🚔🚨🚔🚨🚔

[jamie]

What’s centre left mean is that a gay thing?