Conservative leader Friedrich Merz has officially become Germany’s new chancellor, securing victory in a dramatic second vote in parliament after narrowly failing to win the required majority in his first attempt.
Merz, 69, was elected by 325 of the 630 Bundestag members, just nine votes over the threshold, following a tense day of political uncertainty that exposed cracks within the newly formed coalition.
The initial vote on Tuesday morning marked an unprecedented moment in post-war German politics, with Merz falling six votes short of an absolute majority. While the vote was secret, speculation quickly mounted over whether dissent came from within his conservative bloc or the Social Democrats (SPD), who had signed a coalition agreement with the Christian Democrats and their Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), just a day earlier. Eighteen coalition MPs are believed to have withheld support in the first round.
The failed first vote stunned observers and raised doubts about the stability of the new government. Bundestag President Julia Klöckner, in agreement with party leaders, opted to fast-track a second round of voting, which ultimately delivered the needed result. Parliamentary leader Jens Spahn called on lawmakers to act with urgency and responsibility, emphasizing the global attention on the outcome. “All of Europe, perhaps the whole world, is watching this ballot,” he said.
Following his election, Merz was sworn in by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and his cabinet of 17 ministers is expected to assume office immediately. His coalition inherits a fragile political landscape and pressing challenges, including migration, economic recovery, and restoring Germany’s global influence. International leaders, including Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, extended congratulations, expressing hope for strengthened leadership in Europe and beyond. Despite the rocky start, Merz declared it a “historical duty” to steer the country forward, vowing to restore stability after months of political deadlock.
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