New Delhi, Feb. 23 -- Centre-right opposition leader Friedrich Merz declared victory in Germany's national election on Sunday after exit polls indicated his bloc was in the lead. Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Merz stated, "It will not be easy," but emphasized his commitment to forming a governing coalition as swiftly as possible.

Germany's incumbent Chancellor Olaf Scholz has admitted to a resounding defeat in the national election, calling it a "bitter result" for his center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD).

"This is a bitter election result for the Social Democratic Party," Scholz stated in his first remarks after the polls closed. "It is also an election defeat, and I think that needs to be made clear at the outset."

Scholz ...