Berlin, Germany — Conservative figurehead Friedrich Merz has been elected as Germany’s new chancellor following a successful second parliamentary vote on Tuesday, after falling short in the initial round—an event without precedent in post-war Germany.
Merz failed to secure the required majority in his first bid, missing the mark by six votes—a rare and historic occurrence in the country’s political landscape.
The secret ballot in the 630-seat Bundestag created uncertainty about where the dissent came from, with speculation pointing to members of his conservative camp or the allied center-left coalition.
After extensive discussions, a second vote was held, and Merz secured 325 votes, narrowly surpassing the 316 votes needed for a simple majority.
Despite holding 328 seats in the coalition with the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the initial vote indicated some level of dissatisfaction, as at least 18 members didn’t support him.
The failed first attempt caused confusion and raised doubts about the coalition’s cohesion, although Germany’s constitution allows unlimited voting rounds.
Political observers considered the situation salvaged, with local media describing the result as a narrowly avoided political disaster.
At age 69, Merz will now be sworn in by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and begin his term alongside 17 appointed ministers.
A third vote had been expected the following day, but party leaders fast-tracked the process to ensure swift governance amid pressing European matters.
“Germany must show strength in Europe—we couldn’t risk delays,” said Carsten Linnemann, General Secretary of the Christian Democrats, during a televised address.
Jens Spahn, leader of the parliamentary bloc, emphasized the global attention the vote attracted, urging unity and responsibility.
Some analysts blamed the initial failure on SPD dissatisfaction, despite the coalition agreement signed just a day earlier.
Bundestag President Julia Klöckner reported that nine MPs missed the vote, three abstained, and one ballot was invalid.
Though a few SPD members were reportedly unhappy with the coalition deal, party officials asserted their continued commitment to the partnership.
“It was a confidential vote, so there’s no way to know who voted what,” said senior SPD MP Ralf Stegner. “But I’m confident our members are fully aware of their duty.”
By Makinde oyinkansola|May 6, 2025
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