Germany’s Center-Left Seen Holding Small Lead in National Election

BERLIN—Germany’s center-left Social Democrats held a thin lead over their conservative rivals in Sunday’s national election, according to exit polls, potentially heralding a leftward shift in the German government after 16 years of conservative rule under Chancellor Angela Merkel. The result, if confirmed, means Olaf Scholz, the 63-year-old SPD candidate and finance minister in Ms. Merkel’s government, would be the leading candidate to become the next chancellor.

Recommended news