A near tie of the SPD and CDU/CSU — 25.9% for the former, 24.3% the latter — suggests — other than an unlikely grand coalition — that either of the two might form a government with the FDP (11.5%) and the Green Party (14.5%). Both parties quickly claimed a mandate. The untouchable AfD and Linke parties have 10.5% and 5% respectively. “Other parties” (including BüSo) are reported to have gotten 8.5% of the slate votes.