Germany’s centre-right CDU and CSU parties have won the federal elections with about 28.5 to 29 per cent of the vote according to exit polls, paving the way for CDU leader Friedrich Merz to become chancellor at a time of economic and political upheaval in Europe’s largest democracy.

Friedrich Merz's conservative bloc has won the national election and now faces coalition talks. Merz seemed keen to get to work right away, saying that "the world isn't waiting for us." Follow DW for the latest.

Germany now faces weeks to months of negotiations as the conservatives, under presumptive Chancellor-to-be Friedrich Merz, try to form a government collation.