Merz Elected German Chancellor in Second Round

Merz’s First-Round Shock: CDU leader Friedrich Merz was elected German Chancellor in the second round of voting held in the Bundestag.

A first in the history of the Federal Republic of Germany—established on May 23, 1949, with the adoption of the German Constitution—a chancellor candidate failed to be elected in the first round.

Merz experienced major disappointment in the first round of voting in the Bundestag. Of the 630 seats, 621 MPs participated in the vote. Fewer than half, only 310, voted ‘yes,’ while 307 voted ‘no.’ One vote was invalid, and three MPs abstained.

AfD leader Alice Weidel argued after the first round that Merz should resign and pave the way for new elections.

Germany’s leading newspaper Bild ran the headline “He Flopped!” after Merz’s failure in the first round, while much of the German media described the result as “embarrassing” for Merz.

Following the shock in the first round, CDU’s Merz, together with alliance partner CSU and coalition partner SPD, proceeded to the second round after a recess.

This time, 618 MPs participated. Merz and his government gained 15 additional ‘yes’ votes, totaling 325. A total of 289 voted ‘no.’ One MP abstained, and three votes were invalid.

One of the first to congratulate Friedrich Merz was outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz. AfD leader Alice Weidel also shook Merz’s hand in congratulations. After the announcement of the result, newly elected Chancellor Merz went to Bellevue Palace, the official residence of the President. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier presented Merz with the official letter of appointment and congratulated him, wishing him success.

After the ceremony, Merz returned to the Bundestag to take the oath of office. He read the oath text held by Bundestag President Julia Klöckner. After taking the oath, Merz took his seat in the Chancellor’s designated chair. Later, Merz went back to Bellevue Palace with the new cabinet members. The ministers received their letters of appointment from President Steinmeier there.

Steinmeier emphasized that the new government bears significant responsibility for Germany and its people during a difficult time.

He noted that peace, freedom, and democracy are under attack from various fronts simultaneously and stressed the need for economic revival, trust in democracy, national defense, and diplomatic efforts.

Steinmeier said, “Your success is in the interest of our country.”

He also addressed the German public, saying, “If we complained less about our shortcomings and talked more about what we do well, it would be better for our country.”

Highlighting that taking responsibility during such a challenging time requires courage, Steinmeier wished the new cabinet success. The ministers then returned to the Bundestag, took their oaths, and officially began their duties.

Source: Hürriyet