Friedrich Merz Fails in Bid to Become German Chancellor in Historic Vote
Germany’s conservative leader Friedrich Merz failed to secure a parliamentary majority to become chancellor on Tuesday, marking an unprecedented setback in the country’s modern political history.
Despite his center-right coalition securing enough seats in the Bundestag following the recent federal election, Merz fell short by six votes, receiving only 310 out of the 316 needed for a majority in the 630-seat chamber. A second vote is now scheduled for 15:15 local time (13:15 GMT).
The unexpected outcome revealed cracks within the new coalition, as 18 members who were expected to support Merz apparently dissented. While Germany’s constitution allows for multiple votes, if no absolute majority is achieved within 14 days, a chancellor can be elected by a simple majority in a subsequent round.
Confusion gripped the Bundestag in the aftermath of the vote. Although Bundestag President Julia Klöckner initially considered a delay until Wednesday, CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann insisted on pushing forward swiftly. “Europe needs a strong Germany — we can’t wait days,” he said.
Jens Spahn, the CDU parliamentary group leader, appealed to lawmakers’ sense of duty: “All of Europe, perhaps the world, is watching this vote.”
Political observers described the defeat as a humiliation for Merz, possibly caused by dissent within the center-left Social Democrats (SPD), who signed a coalition agreement with the conservatives just one day earlier.
According to the Bundestag president, nine MPs were absent, three abstained, and one vote was invalid — leaving the coalition without the required majority.
While some SPD members had expressed reservations about the coalition, party leadership emphasized their commitment to the agreement. “It was a secret vote, so no one knows who voted how,” said senior SPD lawmaker Ralf Stegner, adding that the parliamentary group understood its responsibility.
SPD leader Lars Klingbeil, expected to become vice-chancellor, expressed confidence that Merz would win the second vote.
No candidate has ever failed in this manner in the 76-year history of Germany’s post-war republic, casting a shadow over Merz’s efforts to present himself as a stable alternative to the previous government, which collapsed late last year.
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which finished second in the February election with 20.8% of the vote, called for new elections in light of Merz’s failure. AfD co-leader Alice Weidel stated that the vote exposed the coalition’s weak foundation.
Christian Democrat Johann Wadephul, Merz’s nominee for foreign minister, described the defeat as “an obstacle, but not a catastrophe.” He reaffirmed that Merz would stand again and predicted success in the next round.
Germany’s government transition is usually a carefully orchestrated process. On Monday evening, outgoing chancellor Olaf Scholz was honored with a ceremonial Grand Tattoo by a military orchestra. Merz, 69, had been expected to win the vote and be sworn in by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier — a moment that would have fulfilled his long-standing ambition.
Former chancellor Angela Merkel attended the vote as a spectator. Outgoing cabinet members had prepared to hand over their portfolios on Tuesday afternoon.
However, the failed vote has now cast doubts on the stability of the coalition itself. Political analysts in Berlin noted that if Merz cannot rally unified support, deeper divisions within the alliance may soon emerge.
AfD MP Bernd Baumann criticized the CDU for forming a coalition with the center-left despite promoting policies similar to the AfD, particularly on immigration. “That’s not how democracy works,” he said.
Green Party politician Katrin Göring-Eckardt also expressed concern, warning against celebrating instability. “Even though I don’t support Merz as chancellor, chaos benefits no one.”
Just a day earlier, Merz had projected confidence, declaring the new coalition as a path to end six months of political paralysis. “It is our historic duty to make this government a success,” he had said while signing the coalition deal.
The conservatives and SPD hold a slim majority of just 12 seats — but this agreement was seen as more stable than the previous three-party “traffic light” coalition, which fell apart last November over disputes on fiscal policy.
Although the SPD suffered a historic drop in the recent election, falling to third place, Merz had pledged to restore Germany’s global influence and revitalize its economy.
Germany’s economy, after two years of recession, showed growth in the first quarter of 2025. Yet economists have warned of looming threats, including U.S.-imposed tariffs and a shrinking services sector due to falling demand and reduced consumer spending.