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.

Friedrich Merz is set to lead Europe's largest economy after his conservative CDU-CSU group won Germany's parliamentary election on Sunday, taking the reins at a time of strained relations with its biggest trade partner,