Friedrich Merz, the 69-year-old conservative leader, is in pole-position to become Germany's next chancellor, in a vote closely watched in Europe and the US. He promises to fix most problems in four years - a tall order for Europe's biggest economy and a creaking infrastructure.

Regardless of the outcome, Sunday's German election marks a rejection of the centrist political establishment and a shift to the right.

The world’s third largest economy goes to the polls Sunday under the shadow of unusually brusque interventions from the Trump administration in support of the anti-immigration far-right.

Germany heads to the polls on Sunday, with the country's stagnant economy and heated rows over immigration policy dominating conversations on the campaign trail. The post German voters weigh options ahead of election hinging on immigration,

Immigration top of voters’ minds as Germany prepares for elections As Germany's 60 million voters head to the polls on Feb 23, immigration remains a top concern. Many are demanding that politicians take a tougher stance on border control.