Angela Merkel is expected to win her fourth term as German chancellor, according to exit polls on Sunday.
Ms. Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has got 32.5 percent of the vote in general election, an exit poll for public broadcaster ARD said.
Germany, ARD exit poll (18.12 CEST): Merkel's CDU/CSU (EPP) looses 1 million votes to AfD (ENF). #btw17 #AfD #GermanyDecides pic.twitter.com/Oi43AKXXVT
— Europe Elects (@EuropeElects) September 24, 2017
Social Democrats led by Martin Schulz came second with 20 percent, while the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) finished third gaining 13.5 percent of votes.
The liberal Free Democrats have also secured seats in the German parliament scoring 10.5 percent, while the Greens and the far-left Die Linke got 9.5 percent and 9.0 percent accordingly.
Warm congratulations to my friend Angela Merkel, who has once again shown that centrist convictions & strong leadership win elections. pic.twitter.com/zNPN0ODlv3
— Anders Fogh Rasmussen (@AndersFoghR) September 24, 2017