Europe 1 6:23 p.m., September 26, 2021

The first estimates give the SPD a slight lead ahead of the conservatives of the CDU-CSU, Angela Merkel's party.

At the headquarters of the SPD, the Social Democrats are already demanding victory and the formation of the next government.  

While the polling stations closed at 6 p.m., the first estimates at the exit of the ballot boxes confirm a very close ballot.

According to German public television ZDF, the Social Democrats of the SPD come first with 26% of the vote.

Armin Laschet's CDU-CSU closely follows with 24% and Annalena Baerbock's Greens with 14.5%.

The Liberals of the FDP total 12% of the vote, the AfD (far right) 10% and Die Linke (left) 5%.

The counting of the ballots continues.

Other estimates give the SPD and CDU-CSU tied (25%).

Social Democrats claim victory

While the first very close results at the exit of the polls do not yet allow to designate a winner of the legislative elections, the Social Democrats claim victory and the formation of the next government.

More info to follow ...