German Greens narrowly lead CDU in state election, exit polls show

BERLIN: The German Greens have taken a narrow lead over the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in a key state election, according to exit polls released on Sunday. The results mark a setback for CDU leader Friedrich Merz ahead of national elections later this year, as far-right parties also made significant gains.

Exit polls conducted by broadcasters ARD and ZDF indicated that more than 31 percent of voters supported the Greens, led by Cem Ozdemir. The CDU followed closely with around 30 percent of the vote. The outcome represents a shift in voter sentiment, as the CDU had previously maintained a comfortable lead in the state, but recent months saw that margin diminish.

Meanwhile, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party nearly doubled its share compared to the 2021 elections, securing third place with approximately 18 percent of the vote, according to updated exit polls from both broadcasters.

Supporters of the Greens gathered to hear Cem Ozdemir and Environment Minister Thekla Walker address them after the exit poll results were announced. The CDU, however, remains hopeful that the final tally could still change as official results continue to come in throughout the night.

The state election is viewed as an important indicator ahead of the upcoming national elections, with recent opinion polls showing a surge in support for the far right across Germany. The close contest between the Greens and the CDU, along with the AfD's strong performance, highlights shifting political dynamics in the country.