Merz claims victory for German conservatives in Sunday election

Friedrich Merz claimed victory on Sunday for the centre-right Christian Democratic Union, consistent with the results of exit polls. 

Merz is now in position to be the next chancellor. 

Millions of German voters went to the polls on Sunday to vote in the German parliamentary election.

CDU was the favorite, based on the most recent polling data.

Economic issues and immigration appeared to be the top issues for German voters, according to the latest reports.

Photos published by CNN showed many German voters at the polls in festive carnival outfits since the election is taking place on the same day as a series of "regional and municipal carnival celebrations."