Germany is gearing up for a heated election as five parties announce their candidates for chancellor.

Sahra Wagenknecht, leader of the newly formed BSW party, has entered the race despite her party polling at just 4-8%.

Wagenknecht's campaign focuses on a "new social contract" and critiques the "old parties" for failing the country.

Meanwhile, Friedrich Merz of the CDU/CSU leads the polls with 31-33%, while Olaf Scholz of the SPD and Alice Weidel of the AfD trail behind.

The Greens, led by Robert Habeck, and the BSW face challenges in gaining traction.

With no clear majority in sight, coalition talks are expected to dominate post-election discussions.