The centre-right alliance led by Friedrich Merz secured 28.5% of the vote, positioning itself as a strong candidate for coalition talks with the SPD. Amid dissatisfaction, SPD co-leader Lars Klingbeil emphasized the urgency for decisive action in a turbulent world. Scholz, viewed unfavorably by voters, conceded a "bitter" defeat, taking responsibility. Negotiations for the next government are expected to be lengthy, compounded by significant programmatic differences. This situation could lead to a fourth grand coalition, reminiscent of previous partnerships with Angela Merkel's CDU.
The election result is poor and I bear responsibility," said Scholz, who will hang on in office until his successor can be named.
The ball is in Friedrich Merz's court," said SPD co-leader Lars Klingbeil at a party press conference.
Another alliance between the two parties would be the fourth "grand coalition" in the past two decades, with the Social Democrats always playing second fiddle to the CDU/CSU.
The Germans are obviously done with Olaf Scholz, who was seen by many as the face of the political and economic crisis in the country.
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