Friedrich Merz Secures Chancellorship in Germany's Tough Vote
Merz Selected as Chancellor in the Second Vote Round
In a tense Bundestag session, Friedrich Merz was finally elected as the 10th Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany during the second round of voting, earning 325 votes while 289 voted against him on Tuesday afternoon.
MPs across parties had previously agreed to hold a second round of voting on Tuesday, requiring a two-thirds majority in the Bundestag. After securing the necessary votes, Merz was appointed by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in the evening.
Initial Hurdle: Merz Fails to Secure Majority in First Round
Earlier in the day, Merz couldn't secure the needed "Chancellor majority" of 316 votes in the first round. He received only 310 votes, six votes short of the requirement. A total of 630 MPs were present, but 9 were absent, 307 voted against, 3 abstained, and 1 ballot was invalid. Merz wore a stony expression on learning the results, with little reaction.
A Historical First
For the first time in the Federal Republic's history, a designated Federal Chancellor failed in the first round of voting. Merz could have counted on 12 more votes (328) in the first round, but it appears that at least 18 MPs did not support him in the secret ballot.
Post-Vote Allegations and Speculation
Following the session's suspension, finger-pointing began behind closed doors. Suspicions emerged that the missing votes could have come from the SPD, according to unnamed sources told Reuters. However, SPD faction leader Lars Klingbeil assured there was no indication that his party withheld support.
The Future of the Government
The float-or-sink nature of the Chancellor election creates a credibility problem for Merz, according to political scientist Karl-Rudolf Korte. Yet, strong governance is possible after a second or third round election, Korte noted.
In the end, the change of government in Germany went ahead as scheduled, with Merz swearing his oath in the Bundestag and the cabinet members taking their oaths later that same day. The new government consists of 10 men and 8 women, with a balanced representation between the CDU, CSU, and SPD. For instance, Lars Klingbeil (SPD) will serve as the Vice-Chancellor and Federal Finance Minister, the second most powerful position in the cabinet.
International Reactions
Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen were quick to congratulate Merz on his election as Federal Chancellor. Both look forward to collaborating with Germany in moving forward.
[1] Merz's initial failure to secure a majority can be attributed to a breakdown in coalition discipline, individual dissent within the coalition during the secret vote, and the technical factors such as invalid ballots and absences.
What was the result of the first round of voting for Friedrich Merz as Chancellor? Friedrich Merz couldn't secure the needed "Chancellor majority" of 316 votes.
Who did some sources suspect might have withheld their votes in the first round, causing Merz's failure to secure a majority? The suspicions emerged that the missing votes could have come from the SPD.
Who will serve as the Vice-Chancellor and the Federal Finance Minister in the new German government? Lars Klingbeil (SPD) will serve in this powerful position.
Who were among the first to congratulate Friedrich Merz on his election as Federal Chancellor? Both Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen were quick to express their congratulations.
