Germany's centre-right CDU/CSU bloc has won national elections by a large margin, with all constituencies counted, paving the way for leader Friedrich Merz to be the next chancellor, as could be seen on the website of the federal returning officer.

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.

With Friedrich Merz's CDU/CSU union coming on top of the election, coalition talks will come next. The CDU's Friedrich Merz will start talks to form a new coaltion on Monday Merz reiterated his stance on not cooperating with the far-right AfD party,

The Christian Democratic Union’s victory comes despite a strong showing by the far-right Alternative for Germany, or AfD.

CDU's Friedrich Merz has claimed victory while SPD's Olaf Scholz has regretted the "bitter" election result. The German electoral authority confirmed the CDU's win in preliminary results, followed by the far-right AfD.

Speaking to supporters, party leader Friedrich Merz thanked those who had placed their trust in the party and in him.

Whether he can form a strong coalition remains to be seen, but whatever he does will be an essential part of Europe’s response to President Trump’s reshuffling of alliances.