Overview

• Friedrich Merz received 310 votes, six short of the absolute majority required for election as chancellor, despite the CDU/CSU and SPD coalition holding 328 seats.
• This marks the first time in the history of the Federal Republic of Germany that a designated chancellor has failed in the first round of voting.
• The Bundestag now has up to 14 days to hold additional rounds of voting requiring an absolute majority; after this period, a candidate can be elected with a relative majority.
• Coalition leaders are in discussions to schedule the next vote, with a potential second round as early as Wednesday, pending agreement for procedural adjustments.
• Olaf Scholz and his cabinet continue to govern in a caretaker capacity until a new chancellor is elected.