The conservative CDU/CSU party is set to be the largest party in the next German parliament with 30% of the vote, according to the first two exit polls
Friedrich Merz, who is now in pole position to become Germany's next chancellor, hailed a "terrific election campaign" and said there's no time to waste in forming a government
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is expected to become the second biggest force in the country, with a record 20% of the vote, according to exit polls
Millions voted in Germany for a new federal government after the three-party coalition fell apart at the end of last year, prompting a snap election
Friedrich Merz and his Christian Democrats have an unassailable lead, BBC's Paul Kirby writes, but it is not clear-cut if he can form a coalition with just one other party
