Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany’s conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU), failed to secure a majority in the Bundestag on Tuesday to become the country’s next chancellor.
The vote, held by secret ballot, saw Merz win only 310 votes, falling six short of the 316 votes needed for an absolute majority in the 630-seat Bundestag. This marks the first time in post-war German history that a chancellor candidate has failed to win on the first ballot. Merz’s coalition, comprising the CDU/CSU and center-left SPD, managed to secure 328 seats following the federal election in February, more than enough for a majority, yet 18 apparent defectors derailed the vote, suggesting internal dissent within the ruling coalition.
The Bundestag adjourned following the result, lawmakers now have 14 days to elect a chancellor by an absolute majority. Merz can run again, but new candidates may also emerge. If no candidate secures a majority within that window, the president could either appoint a minority chancellor or call new elections.
