The election for chancellor has begun in the German parliament, the Bundestag, and is expected to be the representative of the Social Democrats, Olaf Scholz.

"The candidacy of Olaf Scholz is proposed," Bundestag Chairwoman Berbel Bas said, opening the session.

Scholz will succeed Angela Merkel as chancellor - she led Germany for 16 years and decided not to run again. Merkel is also present at the meeting.