Germany's conservatives are celebrating after the country's snap election. 

Friedrich Merz is most likely to become the country's next chancellor. 

His centre-right Christian Democratic Union has topped votes at just under 29%, with far-right Alternative for Germany, AFD, inching more than 20%. 

Merz must now form a coalition, but has ruled out working with AFD. 

Director of Berlin's Global Public Policy Institute, Thorsten Benner told Andrew Dickens the only option is for the CDU to govern with the outgoing Social Democrats. 

He says it's one of the better outcomes, as only a two-party coalition is necessary. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

Germany's conservatives are celebrating after the country's snap election.&nbsp;
Friedrich Merz is most likely to become the country's next chancellor.&nbsp;
His centre-right Christian Democratic Union has topped votes at just under 29%, with far-right Alternative for Germany, AFD, inching more than 20%.&nbsp;
Merz must now form a coalition, but has ruled out working with AFD.&nbsp;
Director of Berlin's Global Public Policy Institute, Thorsten Benner told Andrew Dickens the only option is for the CDU to govern with the outgoing Social Democrats.&nbsp;
He says it's one of the better outcomes, as only a two-party coalition is necessary.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

Thorsten Benner: Director of Berlin's Global Public Policy Institute on the outcome of Germany's snap election

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/af81e9f3-ca0c-46e0-b288-b28e014c67bc/transcript