Bernadette Keogh

This edition was mixed by Caroline Driscoll and the producer was Stephanie Tillotson. The editor is Karen Martin. I'm Bernadette Keogh. Until next time, goodbye.

This edition was mixed by Caroline Driscoll and the producer was Stephanie Tillotson. The editor is Karen Martin. I'm Bernadette Keogh. Until next time, goodbye.

This is the Global News Podcast from the BBC World Service. I'm Bernadette Keogh, and in the early hours of Monday 24th February, these are our main stories. Friedrich Metz is in poll position to become Germany's next Chancellor, as exit polls show his centre-right grouping has won the general election. The far-right AFD appears to have come second.

This is the Global News Podcast from the BBC World Service. I'm Bernadette Keogh, and in the early hours of Monday 24th February, these are our main stories. Friedrich Metz is in poll position to become Germany's next Chancellor, as exit polls show his centre-right grouping has won the general election. The far-right AFD appears to have come second.

Vladimir Zelensky has told reporters he'd be willing to give up his presidency if it would help bring peace to Ukraine. Tens of thousands of mourners in Lebanon have taken part in the funeral of the late Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Also in this podcast, the Sudanese army says it's made another significant advance against its rivals.

Vladimir Zelensky has told reporters he'd be willing to give up his presidency if it would help bring peace to Ukraine. Tens of thousands of mourners in Lebanon have taken part in the funeral of the late Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Also in this podcast, the Sudanese army says it's made another significant advance against its rivals.

The BBC's veteran film correspondent remembers interviewing Betty Davis. Exit polls from Germany's snap general election suggest the conservative Christian Democrats have won with about 30% of the vote. The far right, alternative for Germany, appears to have come second with around 20%, its highest national share ever. If confirmed, the figures are in line with polling before the election.

The BBC's veteran film correspondent remembers interviewing Betty Davis. Exit polls from Germany's snap general election suggest the conservative Christian Democrats have won with about 30% of the vote. The far right, alternative for Germany, appears to have come second with around 20%, its highest national share ever. If confirmed, the figures are in line with polling before the election.

Speaking afterwards, Friedrich Merz promised to waste no time during negotiations to form the next government, but he's made clear that it will be without the AFD.

Speaking afterwards, Friedrich Merz promised to waste no time during negotiations to form the next government, but he's made clear that it will be without the AFD.

The Social Democrat Party, led by Olaf Scholz, is predicted to have had its worst ever result at 16.5%. Speaking after the exit poll, he said he was realistic about the scale of the potential defeat.

The Social Democrat Party, led by Olaf Scholz, is predicted to have had its worst ever result at 16.5%. Speaking after the exit poll, he said he was realistic about the scale of the potential defeat.

The anti-immigration far-right AFD welcomed the result. Addressing supporters at the party's headquarters in Berlin, the co-leader Alice Weidel said it was an important moment.

The anti-immigration far-right AFD welcomed the result. Addressing supporters at the party's headquarters in Berlin, the co-leader Alice Weidel said it was an important moment.

James Kumarasamy spoke to the BBC's Jessica Parker at the headquarters of the Christian Democrats.

James Kumarasamy spoke to the BBC's Jessica Parker at the headquarters of the Christian Democrats.

Hayao Funke is an expert on the AFD who studies youth movements. James Kumarasamy asked him what he made of the AFD's results.

Hayao Funke is an expert on the AFD who studies youth movements. James Kumarasamy asked him what he made of the AFD's results.

Hiya, Funka. On the eve of the third anniversary of Russia's full invasion of Ukraine, Vladimir Zelensky has said he's willing to give up the presidency of Ukraine if it would help bring peace to his country and speed up admission to NATO. But he told a news conference in Kiev that he wasn't prepared to pay any price for peace.

Hiya, Funka. On the eve of the third anniversary of Russia's full invasion of Ukraine, Vladimir Zelensky has said he's willing to give up the presidency of Ukraine if it would help bring peace to his country and speed up admission to NATO. But he told a news conference in Kiev that he wasn't prepared to pay any price for peace.