Merkel has done less well than expected and weeks of fractious political bargaining now lie ahead. But whatever the country’s next government looks like, don’t expect a softer line on Brexit

Merkel looks set for a fourth term as Chancellor. Here you can explore some of the election data

She sells her strengths abroad, but weaponises her blandness at home

Whoever wins in Britain, Berlin will seal our deal. Regime change there will spell trouble

The main political challenge may come from the mainstream left, not the populist right

What does the success of the right-wing AfD mean?

"The costs inflicted upon the British economy and the British brand are beyond all predictions"

She has been hit in three Länder so far in Germany's regional elections—why?

The defining moments of the Conservative leader's tenure at the top

Friends, foes and federalists

There is only one threat to the Russian President's hold on power, says Sir Richard Dearlove

Germany wants no "strategic relationship" with Russia