German reactions to election result

BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany's opposition conservatives won the national election on Sunday, putting leader Friedrich Merz on track to be the next chancellor while the far-right Alternative for Germany came in second, its best ever result, exit polls showed.

Here are first reactions:

CARSTEN LINNEMANN, CDU GENERAL SECRETARY

"The traffic light coalition has finally been voted out... The new chancellor will be Friedrich Merz."

ALEXANDER DOBRINDT, CSU CHAIRMAN

"I am still convinced that there is no change of policy among the Greens and therefore I cannot imagine that a coalition (with the Greens) will be formed."

MATTHIAS MIERSCH, SPD GENERAL SECRETARY

"This is a historic defeat for the SPD. ...This is a very bitter evening."

(Reporting by Berlin newsroom)