Germans vote in high-stakes election watched closely by Europe and US
their country's faltering economy and a succession of deadly attacks that have made migration and security a focal issue. Friedrich Merz, the 69-year-old
Germans vote in high-stakes election watched closely by Europe and USMeanwhile outside the Ofer Prison in the occupied West Bank, family and friends waited for the release of Palestinian prisoners.An 80-year-old mother in Khan Younis, Gaza, told the AFP news agency that she "can't believe" her son would be free after 33 years in prison.
the evening, Hamas accused Israel of violating the agreement by delaying the release.their country's faltering economy and a succession of deadly attacks that have made migration and security a focal issue.Friedrich Merz, the 69-year-oldGermans go to the polls on Sunday, after an intense election campaign dominated by their country's faltering economy and a succession of deadly attacks that have made migration and security a focal issue.On the eve of the vote, Merz was adamant there would be no deal with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which is poised to become the second biggest political force, ahead of Scholz's centre left.
Some 59.2 million Germans are eligible to vote, and while millions already have by post, polls indicate as many 20% were undecided ahead of election and close at 18:00, with a clear idea of a result during the evening.
Voters are energised by this pivotal election, and campaigning continued right through Saturday evening with a final debate on national TV - the ninth this month.This is a watershed moment as Germany will have to make big decisions on the world stage as well as home.
