HIGHLIGHTS-Reactions to German national election

BERLIN – 24 September 2017: Germans voted on Sunday in a federal election that saw Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives come in as the strongest parliamentary group and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) enter parliament for the first time.

Following are highlights of comments and reactions:

Martin Schulz, SPD party leader and chancellor candidate, said this election was a "bitter day" for Germany's Social Democrats, adding: "Especially depressing for all of us is the strength of the AfD, which for the first time brings a right-wing party into German parliament in such a strong position. This is a turning point."

"The fact that we took in more than 1 million refugees in our country is still dividing in our country. What for some has been an act of humanity and charity is to others menacing, strange and filled with fear. We did not manage to persuade all of our voters that Germany is strong enough not to leave anyone behind," Schulz said.

Alexander Dobrindt, a senior CSU member, said: "I believe for everyone in the government this is a bitter election night. But I think it is too early to draw conclusions - like the SPD."

Volker Kauder, parliamentary floor leader of Merkel's conservaties, told ARD television that his party reached its goal to win the election. "We have the mandate to lead the next government," Kauder said.

"We must of course accept voters' choice, they (AfD) are a party in parliament now... But I will say very clearly that if there are any racist tones in this parliament, we will object to them, very clearly," SPD parliamentary floor leader Thomas Oppermann told broadcaster ARD.

"You cannot force the Greens and us into a coalition just because the SPD bows out," Wolfgang Kubicki, FDP deputy party leader, told broadcaster ARD.

"That is a really bad result for the SPD. That is a heavy defeat," SPD deputy party leader Manuela Schwesig told ZDF broadcaster, adding: "For us, the grand coalition ends today. For us it's clear that we'll go into opposition as demanded by the voter."

"Martin Schulz started the renewal process of the SPD at the party meeting in March, and he will continue that renewal. We win together and we lose together," SPD parliamentary floor leader Thomas Oppermann told broadcaster ARD, when asked whether Schulz would remain party head.

AfD top candidate Alexander Gauland said: "The government, whatever it will look like, should get ready for tough times. We'll chase them. We'll take back our country and our people."