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Friedrich Merz was elected Germany’s new chancellor on May 6, 2025, in a second round of voting, after failing to secure an absolute majority in an earlier round of Bundestag voting the same day. Merz’s eventual success followed a brief but unprecedented setback that raised concerns about coalition unity and political stability.

Merz received only 310 votes in the first round of the Bundestag vote, six short of the 316 required for an absolute majority. It marked the first time in post-war German history that a chancellor-designate had failed to be elected in an initial parliamentary vote despite a pre-formed coalition holding a majority of seats.

The CDU, in alliance with the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), collectively holds 328 seats in the 630-member Bundestag. The shortfall suggested internal dissent within the coalition, though no members publicly acknowledged breaking ranks. SPD co-leader Lars Klingbeil denied any defections from his party, implying the dissent may have originated within the CDU itself.

Second-round success

However, in a second-round vote held later the same day, Merz was successfully elected as Germany’s chancellor. He received 325 votes, comfortably surpassing the 316-vote threshold. This outcome followed renewed behind-the-scenes negotiations and consultations among coalition members during the Bundestag’s adjournment.

Die Wahl zum Bundeskanzler der Bundesrepublik Deutschland nehme ich mit Dankbarkeit und Respekt vor der Aufgabe an. Ich gehe mit Mut und Zuversicht an die Arbeit. Denn wir sind ein starkes Land – und unser Land kann mehr! pic.twitter.com/wNYul3vk2q

— Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz (@bundeskanzler) May 6, 2025

Merz’s election calmed markets, with the German DAX stock index paring earlier losses; it was down just 0.4% by 3:22 p.m. London time after the vote result was announced.

Merz had long been expected to become the leader of Europe’s largest economy following Germany’s federal election in February. His party, the center-right CDU, along with its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), won the largest share of votes.

The CDU/CSU coalition is forming a government with the SPD, which placed third in the election. Their formal coalition agreement was signed on Monday, following weeks of negotiations.

The agreement outlines a broad policy agenda, including reforms on migration, taxation for individuals and businesses, and social security measures such as an increase in the minimum wage.

Immediate implications

The earlier failed vote had temporarily delayed Merz’s planned diplomatic engagements, including visits to Paris and Warsaw, participation in World War II anniversary commemorations, and meetings in Brussels.

With his successful election, those engagements are now expected to resume shortly. Outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz will formally hand over duties, concluding his caretaker role.

Underlying challenges remain

Despite the ultimate success, the initial setback highlighted deeper fissures within the governing coalition. Merz’s leadership has been marked by low public approval ratings and a lack of executive experience, factors that likely fueled internal hesitation.

The coalition’s ambitious policy goals, including increased defense spending and a proposed exemption from the constitutional debt brake for military expenditures, have stirred fiscal and political debate.

Political ramifications

The brief period of uncertainty emboldened the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which had called for immediate new elections and stands to benefit from public disillusionment with traditional parties. While Merz’s confirmation averts immediate electoral turmoil, political analysts caution that the episode may signal deeper vulnerabilities in Germany’s coalition system.

Germany’s political landscape remains delicate. While Merz now moves into office with a confirmed mandate, the coalition’s cohesion and its ability to deliver on its promises will be under close scrutiny both at home and abroad. The resolution of this leadership episode sets the stage for Germany’s domestic and international agenda in the coming years.

„Dieses Land sucht eine Regierung, die sich ab dem ersten Tag kraftvoll und planvoll an die Arbeit macht. Genau das ist unsere Idee. Den Plan dafür haben wir mit dem Koalitionsvertrag, den wir heute gemeinsam unterzeichnen." ™ pic.twitter.com/PCA1YzMGou

— Friedrich Merz (@_FriedrichMerz) May 5, 2025