Senin, 27 September 2021

Crete: One dead and 20 injured after 5.8 magnitude earthquake hits Greek island - Sky News

One person has died and at least 20 others have been injured after a 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck the Greek island of Crete.

People were sent fleeing into the streets in the city of Heraklion, schools were evacuated as the earthquake damaged houses and churches.

Repeated aftershocks rattled the country's fourth-largest city, adding to damage in villages near the epicentre.

A woman moves among goods that fell on the floor following an earthquake, at a shop in the town of Arkalochori on the island of Crete, Greece
Image: At least nine aftershocks hit the area

A man died when the dome of a small church in the town of Arkalochori, some 18.5 miles (30km) south of the city of Heraklion, caved in during renovation works, a police official said.

Hospital officials said 20 people had been treated for injuries, 10 of them receiving first aid.

Sniffer dogs, 30 members of the fire department's disaster response unit and specialised rescue equipment were sent to Crete and all the fire services on the island were placed on general alert.

A damaged Greek Orthodox chapel is seen after a strong earthquake in Arcalochori village on the southern island of Crete, Greece, Monday, Sept. 27, 2021. A strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.8 has struck the southern Greek island of Crete, and Greek authorities say one person has been killed and several more have been injured
PIC:AP
Image: International and domestic flights to Heraklion have not been affected by the quake Pic: AP
A dog lies next to a damaged shop after a strong earthquake in Arkalochori village on the southern island of Crete, Greece, Monday, Sept. 27, 2021. A strong earthquake struck the Greek island of Crete and killed one person and injured several more. Home and churches were damaged and rock slides occurred near the country's fourth-largest city
PIC:AP
Image: Some shops were damaged in the quake. Pic:AP

The Athens Geodynamic Institute said the quake struck at 6.17am, with a magnitude of 5.8 and an epicentre 153 miles (246km) southeast of the Greek capital Athens.

More on Greece

"This is not an event that occurred without warning. We have seen activity in this region for several months," seismologist Gerasimos Papadopoulos said on Greece's state broadcaster ERT.

Firefighters stand next to a demolished Greek Orthodox church of Profitis Ilias after a strong earthquake in Arkalochori village on the southern island of Crete, Greece
PIC:AP
Image: Civil protection authorities said nine people were injured in the quake Pic: AP
Firefighters check their gear next to the rubble of a demolished church, following an earthquake, in the town of Arkalochori on the island of Crete, Greece
Image: Fire crews were sent to deal with the aftermath

"This was a strong earthquake, it was not under sea but under land and affecting populated areas."

The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) and the US Geological Survey gave a preliminary magnitude of 6.0, with an epicentre four miles (7km) north of the village of Thrapsano.

It is common for different institutes to give varying magnitudes early in the aftermath of an earthquake.

Firefighters operate atop of a hill at a demolished Greek Orthodox church after a strong earthquake in Arkalochori village on the southern island of Crete, Greece
PIC:AP
Image: The Athens Geodynamic Institute said the quake struck at 6.17am. Pic: AP

At least nine aftershocks also struck the area, with the EMSC giving a preliminary magnitude of 4.6 for the two strongest ones.

International and domestic flights to Heraklion airport were not affected by the quake.

Meanwhile, while the region's hoteliers association said there was no serious damage to any hotels in the area, which includes many popular holiday resorts.

Wildfires recently ravaged Greece, forcing thousands of people to flee their homes and causing many to have breathing problems.

Adblock test (Why?)


https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMidGh0dHBzOi8vbmV3cy5za3kuY29tL3N0b3J5L2NyZXRlLW9uZS1kZWFkLWFuZC1uaW5lLWluanVyZWQtYWZ0ZXItbWFnbml0dWRlLTUtOC1lYXJ0aHF1YWtlLWhpdHMtZ3JlZWstaXNsYW5kLTEyNDE5NzE50gF4aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXdzLnNreS5jb20vc3RvcnkvYW1wL2NyZXRlLW9uZS1kZWFkLWFuZC1uaW5lLWluanVyZWQtYWZ0ZXItbWFnbml0dWRlLTUtOC1lYXJ0aHF1YWtlLWhpdHMtZ3JlZWstaXNsYW5kLTEyNDE5NzE5?oc=5

2021-09-27 13:52:30Z
CBMidGh0dHBzOi8vbmV3cy5za3kuY29tL3N0b3J5L2NyZXRlLW9uZS1kZWFkLWFuZC1uaW5lLWluanVyZWQtYWZ0ZXItbWFnbml0dWRlLTUtOC1lYXJ0aHF1YWtlLWhpdHMtZ3JlZWstaXNsYW5kLTEyNDE5NzE50gF4aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXdzLnNreS5jb20vc3RvcnkvYW1wL2NyZXRlLW9uZS1kZWFkLWFuZC1uaW5lLWluanVyZWQtYWZ0ZXItbWFnbml0dWRlLTUtOC1lYXJ0aHF1YWtlLWhpdHMtZ3JlZWstaXNsYW5kLTEyNDE5NzE5

Crete: One dead and 20 injured after 5.8 magnitude earthquake hits Greek island - Sky News

One person has died and at least 20 others have been injured after a 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck the Greek island of Crete.

People were sent fleeing into the streets in the city of Heraklion, schools were evacuated as the earthquake damaged houses and churches.

Repeated aftershocks rattled the country's fourth-largest city, adding to damage in villages near the epicentre.

A woman moves among goods that fell on the floor following an earthquake, at a shop in the town of Arkalochori on the island of Crete, Greece
Image: At least nine aftershocks hit the area

A man died when the dome of a small church in the town of Arkalochori, some 18.5 miles (30km) south of the city of Heraklion, caved in during renovation works, a police official said.

Hospital officials said 20 people had been treated for injuries, 10 of them receiving first aid.

Sniffer dogs, 30 members of the fire department's disaster response unit and specialised rescue equipment were sent to Crete and all the fire services on the island were placed on general alert.

A damaged Greek Orthodox chapel is seen after a strong earthquake in Arcalochori village on the southern island of Crete, Greece, Monday, Sept. 27, 2021. A strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.8 has struck the southern Greek island of Crete, and Greek authorities say one person has been killed and several more have been injured
PIC:AP
Image: International and domestic flights to Heraklion have not been affected by the quake Pic: AP
A dog lies next to a damaged shop after a strong earthquake in Arkalochori village on the southern island of Crete, Greece, Monday, Sept. 27, 2021. A strong earthquake struck the Greek island of Crete and killed one person and injured several more. Home and churches were damaged and rock slides occurred near the country's fourth-largest city
PIC:AP
Image: Some shops were damaged in the quake. Pic:AP

The Athens Geodynamic Institute said the quake struck at 6.17am, with a magnitude of 5.8 and an epicentre 153 miles (246km) southeast of the Greek capital Athens.

More on Greece

"This is not an event that occurred without warning. We have seen activity in this region for several months," seismologist Gerasimos Papadopoulos said on Greece's state broadcaster ERT.

Firefighters stand next to a demolished Greek Orthodox church of Profitis Ilias after a strong earthquake in Arkalochori village on the southern island of Crete, Greece
PIC:AP
Image: Civil protection authorities said nine people were injured in the quake Pic: AP
Firefighters check their gear next to the rubble of a demolished church, following an earthquake, in the town of Arkalochori on the island of Crete, Greece
Image: Fire crews were sent to deal with the aftermath

"This was a strong earthquake, it was not under sea but under land and affecting populated areas."

The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) and the US Geological Survey gave a preliminary magnitude of 6.0, with an epicentre four miles (7km) north of the village of Thrapsano.

It is common for different institutes to give varying magnitudes early in the aftermath of an earthquake.

Firefighters operate atop of a hill at a demolished Greek Orthodox church after a strong earthquake in Arkalochori village on the southern island of Crete, Greece
PIC:AP
Image: The Athens Geodynamic Institute said the quake struck at 6.17am. Pic: AP

At least nine aftershocks also struck the area, with the EMSC giving a preliminary magnitude of 4.6 for the two strongest ones.

International and domestic flights to Heraklion airport were not affected by the quake.

Meanwhile, while the region's hoteliers association said there was no serious damage to any hotels in the area, which includes many popular holiday resorts.

Wildfires recently ravaged Greece, forcing thousands of people to flee their homes and causing many to have breathing problems.

Adblock test (Why?)


https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMidGh0dHBzOi8vbmV3cy5za3kuY29tL3N0b3J5L2NyZXRlLW9uZS1kZWFkLWFuZC1uaW5lLWluanVyZWQtYWZ0ZXItbWFnbml0dWRlLTUtOC1lYXJ0aHF1YWtlLWhpdHMtZ3JlZWstaXNsYW5kLTEyNDE5NzE50gF4aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXdzLnNreS5jb20vc3RvcnkvYW1wL2NyZXRlLW9uZS1kZWFkLWFuZC1uaW5lLWluanVyZWQtYWZ0ZXItbWFnbml0dWRlLTUtOC1lYXJ0aHF1YWtlLWhpdHMtZ3JlZWstaXNsYW5kLTEyNDE5NzE5?oc=5

2021-09-27 13:49:23Z
CBMidGh0dHBzOi8vbmV3cy5za3kuY29tL3N0b3J5L2NyZXRlLW9uZS1kZWFkLWFuZC1uaW5lLWluanVyZWQtYWZ0ZXItbWFnbml0dWRlLTUtOC1lYXJ0aHF1YWtlLWhpdHMtZ3JlZWstaXNsYW5kLTEyNDE5NzE50gF4aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXdzLnNreS5jb20vc3RvcnkvYW1wL2NyZXRlLW9uZS1kZWFkLWFuZC1uaW5lLWluanVyZWQtYWZ0ZXItbWFnbml0dWRlLTUtOC1lYXJ0aHF1YWtlLWhpdHMtZ3JlZWstaXNsYW5kLTEyNDE5NzE5

The Taliban could get their hands on up to 150 nuclear weapons, says John Bolton - Daily Mail

The Taliban could get their hands on up to 150 nuclear weapons after America's catastrophic withdrawal from Afghanistan, says Trump's former security adviser John Bolton

  • Former security advisor John Bolton warned Taliban could get nuclear weapons
  • He said the militants could get 150 nuclear weapons if they take over Pakistan
  • The US completed a catastrophic withdrawal from Afghanistan on August 30
  • Taliban have seized equipment abandoned by US troops in final days in Kabul

The Taliban could get their hands on up to 150 nuclear weapons after America's catastrophic withdrawal from Afghanistan, former Trump security advisor John Bolton has warned. 

Bolton said it was possible the nuclear weapons could end up in the hands of the Taliban if the Islamists take control of Pakistan in an interview with WABC 770 on Sunday. 

'The Taliban in control of Afghanistan threatens the possibility of terrorists taking control of Pakistan … that means maybe 150 nuclear weapons in the hands of terrorists,' he said.

The US completed a chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan on August 31, leaving behind military equipment that has already been seized by the Taliban, after the Islamists swept to power in a lightning offensive of the country.

Bolton, who served under then President Donald Trump between April 2018 and September 2019, slammed Joe Biden's management of the withdrawal, warning allies are 'wondering if he has a grip on his own administration's foreign policy.'

The Taliban could get their hands on up to 150 nuclear weapons after America's catastrophic withdrawal from Afghanistan, former Trump security advisor John Bolton has warned

The Taliban could get their hands on up to 150 nuclear weapons after America's catastrophic withdrawal from Afghanistan, former Trump security advisor John Bolton has warned

The US completed a chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan on August 31 after the Taliban swept to power in a lightning offensive of the country

The US completed a chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan on August 31 after the Taliban swept to power in a lightning offensive of the country

US withdrawal from Afghanistan: 

April 14, 2021 

Biden announces U.S. forces will withdraw unconditionally by Sept. 11, implementing the agreement reached with the Taliban by his predecessor, Trump.

July 2, 2021

U.S. troops abruptly pull out of their main base at Bagram airfield 60 km (40 miles) north of Kabul.

August 15, 2021 

After a stunning week-long advance capturing cities across the country, the Taliban seize Kabul without a fight. President Ashraf Ghani flees the country. The United States and Western allies launch an urgent airlift from Kabul airport to bring out their own citizens and tens of thousands of Afghans who aided them.

August 26, 2021

Islamic State offshoot ISIS-K launches a suicide bomb attack on the crowded gates of Kabul airport, killing scores of civilians and 13 U.S. troops, the deadliest incident for U.S. forces in Afghanistan in more than a decade.

In the days that followed, the U.S. conducted drone strikes on ISIS-K assets in Kabul in response. ISIS-K also fired five rockets towards Kabul airport as U.S. and western forces tried to get the last American citizens and Afghan allies to safety. 

August 30, 2021 

U.S. General Frank McKenzie, head of U.S. Central Command, announces completion of the U.S. troop withdrawal. The Taliban celebrated with gunfire in the streets as Western forces finally left after 20 years.

There were still at least 250 American citizens stranded on the ground and thousands of Afghan allies - SIV applicants are those designated as vulnerable - left to face the Taliban. 

Biden and the White House have repeatedly insisted they were blindsided by the swept Taliban takeover because the Afghan security forces gave up so easily. 

It led to scenes of chaos with thousands of Afghans swarming the airport as they desperately tried to flee the country before the Islamists imposed their rule.

Thousands gathered at the perimeter of Kabul airport - some standing in sewage, others attempting to scale the walls and many brandishing travel documents - as US soldiers attempted to control the chaos. 

Early evacuation flights saw hundreds of young men sat on a fin below the US military's plane's turbine as it barreled down the runway, only to then fall hundreds of feet to their deaths.

At least two people fell to their deaths from a C-17 on August 16 and the remains of another were discovered in the wheel well of the jet when it arrived in Qatar. 

Videos captured snapshots of the chaos showed US soldiers being handed babies over barbed wire fences as desperate Afghans gathered at the edge of the airport. 

Meanwhile other footage emerged of women pleading with US troops to let them onto an evacuation flight, telling them 'the Taliban is coming'. 

And days later a suicide explosion claimed by ISIS-K, an Islamic State offshoot based in Afghanistan's Khorasan region, left 170 dead, including 13 US service members.  

Biden later claimed the withdrawal was an 'extraordinary success' and local soldiers for the mess in Afghanistan and the Taliban takeover - a claim the White House has repeated in recent weeks. 

The President also laid the blame for the chaos on his predecessor Donald Trump for striking a peace deal in February 2020 with the Taliban. Trump's peace deal had promised US withdrawal by May if the Taliban did not harbor terrorists or attack US forces or allies. 

Bolton's warning comes after the Taliban seized much of the equipment abandoned by the US during the chaotic end to the 20-year war in Afghanistan.  

Days after the withdrawal ended, the Taliban paraded dozens of US-made armored vehicles and weaponry captured from Afghan forces during the group's takeover.

One event, in the southern city of Kandahar, even featured a fly-past from a Black Hawk helicopter flying the flag of the Taliban.  

Anwari was among young Afghan men were seen clambering onto the USAF jet as it took off from Kabul on Monday. At least three of them died, two teenage brothers by falling from the wheels and Anwari was reportedly found dead in the wheel well

Anwari was among young Afghan men were seen clambering onto the USAF jet as it took off from Kabul on Monday. At least three of them died, two teenage brothers by falling from the wheels and Anwari was reportedly found dead in the wheel well 

At least three bodies were seen falling from the USAF jet as it climbed into the air on Monday

At least three bodies were seen falling from the USAF jet as it climbed into the air on Monday

Meanwhile a long line of green Humvees and armored fighting vehicles drove in single file along a highway outside Kandahar - the spiritual birthplace of the militant group. Many of the vehicles had the white and black Taliban flag attached to them.

Footage posted on social media showed a helicopter flying overhead trailing the Taliban's standard behind it as fighters waved from below. 

One event, in the southern city of Kandahar, even featured a fly-past from a Black Hawk helicopter (pictured) flying the flag of the Taliban

One event, in the southern city of Kandahar, even featured a fly-past from a Black Hawk helicopter (pictured) flying the flag of the Taliban

The parades of the hardware, captured during the group's takeover of Afghanistan, were held just hours after U.S. President Joe Biden defended his decision to end two decades of American presence in the country

The parades of the hardware, captured during the group's takeover of Afghanistan, were held just hours after U.S. President Joe Biden defended his decision to end two decades of American presence in the country

Adblock test (Why?)


https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMibWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmRhaWx5bWFpbC5jby51ay9uZXdzL2FydGljbGUtMTAwMzI3OTUvVGhlLVRhbGliYW4taGFuZHMtMTUwLW51Y2xlYXItd2VhcG9ucy1zYXlzLUpvaG4tQm9sdG9uLmh0bWzSAXFodHRwczovL3d3dy5kYWlseW1haWwuY28udWsvbmV3cy9hcnRpY2xlLTEwMDMyNzk1L2FtcC9UaGUtVGFsaWJhbi1oYW5kcy0xNTAtbnVjbGVhci13ZWFwb25zLXNheXMtSm9obi1Cb2x0b24uaHRtbA?oc=5

2021-09-27 12:21:02Z
52781902938079

Man killed as Crete struck by 5.8-magnitude earthquake - BBC News

Firefighters look for people in the rubble of a demolished church following an earthquake, in Arkalochori on the island of Crete, Greece, September 27, 2021
Reuters

At least one person has been killed and nine injured after a 5.8-magnitude earthquake hit the Greek island of Crete, local officials say.

The man died when the dome of a church that was being renovated in the town of Arkalochori caved in.

People were sent rushing out on to the streets when the earthquake struck at 09:17 (06:17 GMT). Several aftershocks followed.

Civil protection authorities said many buildings had been damaged.

Both Greece and Turkey sit on fault lines and earthquakes are common.

The European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) initially recorded a magnitude of 6.5 while the United States Geological Survey (USGS) put it at 6.0.

The Athens Geodynamic Institute later said the 5.8 quake struck 23km (14 miles) north-west of the coastal village of Arvi, at a depth of 10km.

Banner saying 'Get in touch'

Have you been affected by the earthquake? If it's safe to do so, you can share your experience by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.

Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways:

If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or you can email us at HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any submission.

Adblock test (Why?)


https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiLmh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJiYy5jb20vbmV3cy93b3JsZC1ldXJvcGUtNTg3MDUzNzbSATJodHRwczovL3d3dy5iYmMuY29tL25ld3Mvd29ybGQtZXVyb3BlLTU4NzA1Mzc2LmFtcA?oc=5

2021-09-27 10:16:20Z
CBMiLmh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJiYy5jb20vbmV3cy93b3JsZC1ldXJvcGUtNTg3MDUzNzbSATJodHRwczovL3d3dy5iYmMuY29tL25ld3Mvd29ybGQtZXVyb3BlLTU4NzA1Mzc2LmFtcA

German election: Social Democrats narrowly beat Angela Merkel's party as Germany faces prolonged coalition talks - Sky News

The centre-left Social Democrats have narrowly beaten outgoing chancellor Angela Merkel's centre-right bloc in a closely fought election, according to preliminary results.

SPD won 25.9% to the CDU/CSU's 24.1%, according to figures released by election officials on Monday after the count for all 299 constituencies was completed.

The Greens were next with 14.6%, followed by the FDP on 11.5%.

The two parties have signalled they are willing to discuss a three-way alliance with either of their bigger rivals to form a majority 50% government.

Right-wing populist party AfD came fifth with 10.4%.

Hoping to become the next chancellor is CDU/CSU bloc's Armin Laschet and the frontrunner, Olaf Scholz for the Social Democrats.

The Greens, with candidate Annalena Baerbock, are also making their first run for the chancellery.

More on Angela Merkel

Armin Laschet
Olaf Scholz
Annalena Baerbock

No winning party in a German national election had previously taken less than 31% of the vote.

Germany could now face months of talks over a coalition, meaning Mrs Merkel stays on in a caretaker role.

Despite getting its worst-ever result in a federal contest, the CDU/CSU bloc said it would reach out to smaller parties to discuss forming a government.

Mr Laschet, governor of North Rhine-Westphalia state, said his party's loss of votes "isn't pretty" and conceded that the country would now probably end up with a three-way coalition.

But he added that with Ms Merkel departing after 16 years in power, "no one had an incumbent bonus in this election".

Mr Laschet told supporters that "we will do everything we can to form a government under the Union's leadership, because Germany now needs a coalition for the future that modernizes our country."

Mr Sholz, outgoing vice chancellor and finance minister, said the result was "a very clear mandate to ensure now that we put together a good, pragmatic government for Germany".

Both men will now be courting the Greens and pro-business Free Democrats (FDP) in the hopes of forming a union.

Supporters react after German parliament election at the Social Democratic Party, SPD, headquarters in Berlin, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021. (AP Photo/Lisa Leutner)
Image: Supporters react after the German parliament election at the SPD headquarters

The Greens traditionally lean toward the Social Democrats and the Free Democrats toward the CDU/CSU bloc, but neither ruled out going the other way.

The FDP's leader, Christian Lindner, appeared keen to govern, suggesting his party and the Greens should make the first move.

"About 75% of Germans didn't vote for the next chancellor's party," Lindner said in a post-election debate on public broadcaster ZDF.

"So it might be advisable... that the Greens and Free Democrats first speak to each other to structure everything that follows."

The other option is a repeat of the outgoing "grand coalition" of the CDU/CSU and Social Democrats that has run Germany for 12 of Merkel's 16 years in power, but there has been little appetite for that after years of government squabbling.

Mr Laschet said: "Everyone thinks that... this 'grand coalition' isn't promising for the future, regardless of who is No 1 and No 2. We need a real new beginning."

Speaking earlier after exit polls, CDU general secretary Paul Ziemiak acknowledged "bitter losses" compared with the previous election where it gained 32.9% of the vote.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Germany's election: What's at stake?

The SPD has also won the regional election to lead the state government in Berlin, according to preliminary results, meaning Franziska Giffey is set to become the first female mayor of the country's capital.

Voting closed at 5pm UK time in a bitterly fought election to replace the country's leader, who's been in power for 16 years.

About 60.4 million people were eligible to elect the new Bundestag - Germany's parliament - which will then choose the new chancellor.

Due to Germany's complicated electoral system, a full breakdown of the result by seats in parliament was still pending.

Veteran leader Mrs Merkel has won praise for steering her country through several major crises, including the financial crash and the COVID pandemic.

Adblock test (Why?)


https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiiQFodHRwczovL25ld3Muc2t5LmNvbS9zdG9yeS9nZXJtYW4tZWxlY3Rpb24tc29jaWFsLWRlbW9jcmF0cy1iZWF0LWFuZ2VsYS1tZXJrZWxzLXBhcnR5LWFzLWdlcm1hbnktZmFjZXMtcHJvbG9uZ2VkLWNvYWxpdGlvbi10YWxrcy0xMjQxOTQwN9IBjQFodHRwczovL25ld3Muc2t5LmNvbS9zdG9yeS9hbXAvZ2VybWFuLWVsZWN0aW9uLXNvY2lhbC1kZW1vY3JhdHMtYmVhdC1hbmdlbGEtbWVya2Vscy1wYXJ0eS1hcy1nZXJtYW55LWZhY2VzLXByb2xvbmdlZC1jb2FsaXRpb24tdGFsa3MtMTI0MTk0MDc?oc=5

2021-09-27 08:50:22Z
52781886475259

German election: Social Democrats narrowly beat Angela Merkel's party as Germany faces prolonged coalition talks - Sky News

The centre-left Social Democrats have narrowly beaten outgoing chancellor Angela Merkel's centre-right bloc in a closely fought election, according to preliminary results.

SPD won 25.9% to the CDU/CSU's 24.1%, according to figures released by election officials on Monday after the count for all 299 constituencies was completed.

The Greens were next with 14.6%, followed by the FDP on 11.5%.

The two parties have signalled they are willing to discuss a three-way alliance with either of their bigger rivals to form a majority 50% government.

Right-wing populist party AfD came fifth with 10.4%.

Hoping to become the next chancellor is CDU/CSU bloc's Armin Laschet and the frontrunner, Olaf Scholz for the Social Democrats.

The Greens, with candidate Annalena Baerbock, are also making their first run for the chancellery.

More on Angela Merkel

Armin Laschet
Olaf Scholz
Annalena Baerbock

No winning party in a German national election had previously taken less than 31% of the vote.

Germany could now face months of talks over a coalition, meaning Mrs Merkel stays on in a caretaker role.

Despite getting its worst-ever result in a federal contest, the CDU/CSU bloc said it would reach out to smaller parties to discuss forming a government.

Mr Laschet, governor of North Rhine-Westphalia state, said his party's loss of votes "isn't pretty" and conceded that the country would now probably end up with a three-way coalition.

But he added that with Ms Merkel departing after 16 years in power, "no one had an incumbent bonus in this election".

Mr Laschet told supporters that "we will do everything we can to form a government under the Union's leadership, because Germany now needs a coalition for the future that modernizes our country."

Mr Sholz, outgoing vice chancellor and finance minister, said the result was "a very clear mandate to ensure now that we put together a good, pragmatic government for Germany".

Both men will now be courting the Greens and pro-business Free Democrats (FDP) in the hopes of forming a union.

Supporters react after German parliament election at the Social Democratic Party, SPD, headquarters in Berlin, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021. (AP Photo/Lisa Leutner)
Image: Supporters react after the German parliament election at the SPD headquarters

The Greens traditionally lean toward the Social Democrats and the Free Democrats toward the CDU/CSU bloc, but neither ruled out going the other way.

The FDP's leader, Christian Lindner, appeared keen to govern, suggesting his party and the Greens should make the first move.

"About 75% of Germans didn't vote for the next chancellor's party," Lindner said in a post-election debate on public broadcaster ZDF.

"So it might be advisable... that the Greens and Free Democrats first speak to each other to structure everything that follows."

The other option is a repeat of the outgoing "grand coalition" of the CDU/CSU and Social Democrats that has run Germany for 12 of Merkel's 16 years in power, but there has been little appetite for that after years of government squabbling.

Mr Laschet said: "Everyone thinks that... this 'grand coalition' isn't promising for the future, regardless of who is No 1 and No 2. We need a real new beginning."

Speaking earlier after exit polls, CDU general secretary Paul Ziemiak acknowledged "bitter losses" compared with the previous election where it gained 32.9% of the vote.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Germany's election: What's at stake?

The SPD has also won the regional election to lead the state government in Berlin, according to preliminary results, meaning Franziska Giffey is set to become the first female mayor of the country's capital.

Voting closed at 5pm UK time in a bitterly fought election to replace the country's leader, who's been in power for 16 years.

About 60.4 million people were eligible to elect the new Bundestag - Germany's parliament - which will then choose the new chancellor.

Due to Germany's complicated electoral system, a full breakdown of the result by seats in parliament was still pending.

Veteran leader Mrs Merkel has won praise for steering her country through several major crises, including the financial crash and the COVID pandemic.

Adblock test (Why?)


https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiiQFodHRwczovL25ld3Muc2t5LmNvbS9zdG9yeS9nZXJtYW4tZWxlY3Rpb24tc29jaWFsLWRlbW9jcmF0cy1iZWF0LWFuZ2VsYS1tZXJrZWxzLXBhcnR5LWFzLWdlcm1hbnktZmFjZXMtcHJvbG9uZ2VkLWNvYWxpdGlvbi10YWxrcy0xMjQxOTQwN9IBjQFodHRwczovL25ld3Muc2t5LmNvbS9zdG9yeS9hbXAvZ2VybWFuLWVsZWN0aW9uLXNvY2lhbC1kZW1vY3JhdHMtYmVhdC1hbmdlbGEtbWVya2Vscy1wYXJ0eS1hcy1nZXJtYW55LWZhY2VzLXByb2xvbmdlZC1jb2FsaXRpb24tdGFsa3MtMTI0MTk0MDc?oc=5

2021-09-27 07:07:30Z
52781886475259

La Palma volcano lava engulfs church & destroys it after over a week of eruptions - The Sun

Adblock test (Why?)


https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiK2h0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnlvdXR1YmUuY29tL3dhdGNoP3Y9SDNlLVAxQlp0YnPSAQA?oc=5

2021-09-27 08:46:48Z
52781897394330