Polls open in Germany. This election could shape Europe's response to Trump, Ukraine-Russia war

The polls are open across Germany in an election that could shape Europe's response to the new Trump administration, the Russia-Ukraine war and security across the continent. The race pits the incumbent chancellor against the opposition leader, the vice chancellor and - for the first time - a leader of a far-right party.

Germany's electoral system rarely gives any party an absolute majority and opinion polls suggest that no party is anywhere near one this time. Two or more parties will most likely form a coalition in the coming weeks.

Top campaign issues were the German economy - still Europe's largest but struggling - and irregular migration.