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.

Early projections say Germany's conservative bloc has secured some 29% of the votes, emerging as the largest party ahead of the far-right AfD with around 19.5%. Follow DW for live updates.

Projections based on initial German election results put opposition leader Friedrich Merz's centre-right CDU/CSU bloc with a clear lead of 28.7% to 29%, followed by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) at 19.