Alternative for Germany, or AfD, has become a major political force in the 13 years since its founding.

Friedrich Merz has been elected as Germany's 10th post-World War II chancellor, the culmination of a long political career that was once sidelined by his party’s iconic leader, Angela Merkel.

Friedrich Merz is on course to become post-World War II Germany’s 10th chancellor, the culmination of a yearslong political career that was once sidelined by his party’s iconic leader.