Provisional results confirm that mainstream conservatives led by Friedrich Merz won Germany's national election, while a far-right party surged to become the nation’s second-largest.

Bavarian Premier Markus Söder exuded optimism when casting his ballot in Germany's early elections on Sunday, with his opposition conservative bloc having consistently polled in first place in the months leading up to the vote.

Merz expressed concern over changing relations with Washington under the Trump administration, emphasizing the need for gradual independence from the U.S.

German stocks ended Monday higher in Europe after conservatives led by Friedrich Merz won the national election with promises of pro-growth policies to boost an ailing economy.

Europe must seek to “achieve independence” from the United States, Germany’s likely next chancellor Friedrich Merz said after his opposition conservatives won elections on Sunday, in a vote that also saw surging support for the far-right.

He has vowed to prioritize European unity and the continent’s security as it grapples with the new Trump administration and Russia’s war on Ukraine.