The anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany party is expected to perform strongly in Saxony and Thuringia.

The two main rivals for the German chancellorship claim a mandate to govern after a tight election.

Armin Laschet thanks Angela Merkel for her service as chancellor - but says he is not happy with the election result so far.

Germany's centre-right CDU defies opinion polls with a strong win over the far right in Saxony-Anhalt.

Armin Laschet wins the backing of the CDU executive for the chancellor's job in September's elections.

A veteran Bavarian leader is tipped to run for chancellor as the Merkel era ends this year.