Germany’s Merz falls short of majority in vote for chancellor
In a dramatic turn of events, Germany’s conservative leader Friedrich Merz failed to secure a majority in the Bundestag to become the country’s next chancellor, despite leading a coalition that technically holds enough seats to form a government.
Merz, leader of the Christian Democrats (CDU), needed 316 votes in the 630-member Bundestag but managed to secure only 310. The surprise shortfall comes just over two months after his party emerged victorious in federal elections and signed a coalition agreement with the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD).
The vote marks a significant and historic setback for Merz, as no chancellor candidate has failed in the first parliamentary vote since the formation of the Federal Republic in 1949. Political analysts have called the result an unprecedented embarrassment, likely caused by dissent from within the SPD ranks. Although the coalition should have had the numbers, 18 lawmakers appear to have defected.
Under Germany’s constitution, the Bundestag now has 14 days to elect a chancellor. Multiple votes may be held during this time, and if no candidate secures an absolute majority, a chancellor can still be appointed through a simple majority in a final round.
Bundestag President Julia Klöckner is reportedly considering holding a second vote as early as Wednesday. Meanwhile, CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann urged for a swift resolution, telling German TV: “Europe needs a strong Germany, that’s why we can’t wait for days.”
The failed vote has shaken confidence in Merz’s leadership and exposed cracks in the coalition. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which placed second in February’s elections with 20.8% of the vote, swiftly capitalized on the chaos. AfD co-leader Alice Weidel called for fresh elections, claiming the outcome reflected “the weak foundation” of the CDU-SPD alliance that she says voters rejected.
Merz’s nominee for foreign minister, CDU’s Johann Wadephul, acknowledged the setback but remained optimistic. Speaking to the BBC, he described the result as “an obstacle but not a catastrophe.”
“We will have a second attempt, of course, with again Friedrich Merz as the candidate from the coalition. And I’m sure he will be elected and he will be the next chancellor,” Wadephul added.
With Germany’s political future hanging in the balance, all eyes are now on the Bundestag’s next move.
Distribution of seats in 21st German Bundestag
| Party Group | New seats |
|---|---|
| CDU-CSU | 208 |
| AfD | 152 |
| SPD | 120 |
| Greens | 85 |
| Left | 64 |
| SSW | 1 |
BERLIN — Germany’s traditionally well-orchestrated handover of power took an unexpected turn after Friedrich Merz failed to secure enough votes to become chancellor, disrupting what was meant to be a seamless transition of leadership.
On the eve of the parliamentary vote, outgoing chancellor Olaf Scholz was honored with a ceremonial Grand Tattoo — a solemn military farewell performed by the armed forces orchestra. All indications pointed toward Merz, 69, finally achieving his long-anticipated goal of leading the country. After winning the federal election and securing a coalition agreement, he was expected to be elected by parliament and then formally sworn in by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
Even Angela Merkel, Merz’s former political rival and long-serving predecessor, made an appearance in the Bundestag to witness the historic vote.
But the result shocked observers: Merz came up six votes short of the required 316-seat majority. Now, instead of heading to the presidential palace, Merz faces a critical decision—whether to push for a second vote quickly and risk a repeat failure, or pause to reassess and shore up support within his fragile coalition.
The coming days will test not only Merz’s leadership but the unity of his alliance with the Social Democrats. A second vote is likely, but its timing — and Merz’s political future — remain uncertain.
