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3d ago

Friedrich Merz Narrowly Elected German Chancellor After Historic Second Vote

Merz secures 325 votes in a rare second ballot, revealing coalition fragility as he begins his tenure with a focus on European security ties.

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Overview

  • Friedrich Merz was elected German Chancellor on May 6, 2025, in a second Bundestag vote, securing 325 votes, surpassing the required 316-vote majority.
  • The first ballot earlier that day saw Merz fall short by six votes, marking the first failed first-round chancellor vote in Germany since 1949.
  • The governing CDU/CSU-SPD coalition, holding 328 seats, faced internal dissent with 18 members withholding support in the initial vote.
  • A same-day second ballot was made possible through negotiations with the Greens and Left Party, underscoring the precariousness of Merz's majority.
  • Merz's first official act as Chancellor was a visit to Paris, where he and French President Macron announced plans for a joint Franco-German Defence and Security Council.