Friedrich Merz has been elected as Germany’s new chancellor after a dramatic second-round vote in the Bundestag, following a historic setback in the initial vote.
Gatekeepers News reports that Merz, the conservative leader, secured 325 votes, just nine more than the required majority, after falling six votes short in the first secret ballot.
The first vote’s failure marked an unprecedented stumble in post-war German politics, sparking confusion and speculation about potential dissent within Merz’s coalition ranks.
Despite the setback, Merz was sworn in by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier shortly after his narrow victory.
According to Bundestag President Julia Klöckner, nine MPs were absent, three abstained, and one ballot was invalid during the first vote.
Some of the 18 MPs who either abstained, voted against Merz, or were absent might have hoped for ministerial or state secretary roles and had their hopes dashed, according to Gunther Krichbaum, Germany’s new Europe Minister.
Merz’s coalition partner, the Social Democrats, seem to be largely behind him, with senior lawmaker Ralf Stegner stating he doesn’t believe the party’s parliamentary group wouldn’t have known their responsibility.
However, some young Social Democrats have publicly questioned their support for Merz.
The far-right Alternative for Germany party, which placed second in the February election, seized on Merz’s initial failure, calling for fresh elections.
Despite this, Merz remains focused on forming a stable government to tackle pressing issues like migration and the economy.
In a congratulatory message, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed hope for stronger German leadership in Europe and transatlantic affairs.
Merz has pledged to strengthen Germany’s role on the global stage and revive the struggling economy.
