First take on German elections:difficult coalition talks ahead

The centre -right CDU/CDU was the relative winner of this Sunday’s election coming in, based on the number available so far, slightly below 30%. The next government will be consequently led by Friedrich Merz. Depending on what the final result will be , different coalitions may be formed . Assuming that only five parties make it into the Bundestag – which seems currently the most likely outcome – a coalition between the CDU/CSU and the centre -left SPD would command a sufficient number of seats. If the liberal FDP, or the newly found BSW party can ultimately pass the 5% hurdle, it would be necessary to form a three-party coalition. There are two options. Either a coalition between CDU/CSU, SPD and FDP (should the FDP make it into the Bundestag) or a coalition between CDU/CSU, SPD and Greens. The preliminary result will be published at some point Monday morning.