Overview

• Friedrich Merz was elected German chancellor in a second round of voting after failing to secure a majority in the first round, highlighting divisions within his CDU/CSU–SPD coalition.
• Merz’s coalition disunity was underscored by at least 18 lawmakers withholding support in the initial vote, a first in post-war German politics.
• Before formally assuming office, Merz secured parliamentary approval for a major fiscal package aimed at increasing defense spending and relaxing debt brake rules.
• On his first day in office, Merz traveled to France and Poland to renew ties with key allies, emphasizing European unity in the face of U.S. tariffs and ongoing challenges from Russia’s war in Ukraine.
• Merz publicly urged the U.S. administration to refrain from interfering in German domestic politics, ahead of a scheduled call with President Trump to address transatlantic relations.