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.

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

Financial markets rose on the likelihood of a two-party coalition between the CDU/CSU and the SPD, with Germany's benchmark DAX Index up 0.7%. Click to read.

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

Trump hailed the result as a "GREAT DAY FOR GERMANY," while the far-right AfD party that Elon Musk has championed made historic gains.

Elon Musk has continued his public association with Germany's far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party, sending a congratulatory post on X to the party's co-chair Alice Weidel following the election results last night in Germany.

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