Lawmakers voted by 395-303 with six abstentions to elect Mr Scholz.

Olaf Scholz sworn in as German chancellor as Merkel stands down after 16 years

Olaf Scholz, Finance Minister and SPD candidate for Chancellor after addressing his supporters after German parliament election at the Social Democratic Party, SPD, headquarters in Berlin, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn)

The closely fought race saw the Social Democrats edge out Merkel's Union bloc by 25.9% of the vote, ahead of 24.1% for the Union bloc.

 Centre-left SDP narrowly beat Merkel’s party in tight German election 

Polls point to a very close race between the centre-right Union bloc and the centre-left Social Democrats.

German election: Merkel's party eyes historic low result as rivals neck and neck

Exit polls suggest the German election is too close to call.

Who will be Germany's next leader?

260921 A woman casts her ballot in the German election, AP

German voters are heading to the polls in a closely-fought election which will determine who succeeds Angela Merkel at the helm of Europe’s biggest economy.

Germans head to polls in election to determine who will succeed Angela Merkel

Angela Merkel is bowing out with an 80% approval rating as Europe waits to see who will fill her shoes. 

Angela Merkel’s 16-year tenure coming to an end as successor remains unclear

The frontrunner to succeed Mrs Merkel, Olaf Scholz, told ITV News he "very much" wants to continue Germany's strong relationship with the UK.

German elections: Who will replace Angela Merkel?

German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed 'grave concern' at the number of fans attending England's Euro 2020 clash with Germany at Wembley.

PM and Merkel joke about Euros but crowded Wembley 'concerns' Chancellor

The German Chancellor said travel restrictions were being reviewed for those who have received two coronavirus vaccines.

Angela Merkel raises hopes for double-jabbed Brits holidaying in Europe

The German leader is expected to address a virtual meeting of the Cabinet as part of the visit.

PM to challenge Merkel at Chequers on quarantine rules for vaccinated Brits

Speaking to ITV News, Michael O'Leary said Angela Merkel's comments were "complete nonsense".

Ryanair boss attacks Merkel for saying EU countries should make Brits quarantine

The German Chancellor will have regular tests and work from home.

Angela Merkel goes into quarantine as her doctor tests positive for Covid-19

German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer refused to shake Chancellor Angela Merkel’s hand amid coronavirus fears.

Angela Merkel handshake rejected as coronavirus cases reach 150 in Germany

Ms Merkel began by seeing a crematorium and walking under the gate with the notorious words "Arbeit Macht Frei".

German leader Angela Merkel speaks of 'deep shame' on first visit to Auschwitz

The German chancellor has reportedly told the PM that she cannot agree to his Brexit offer, according to a Downing Street source.

Angela Merkel

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