In a surprising turn of events, Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU), failed to secure the necessary majority in the Bundestag to be elected chancellor. Despite his CDU/CSU alliance winning the February 2025 federal elections and forming a coalition with the Social Democrats (SPD), Merz received only 310 votes—six short of the required 316—in a secret ballot held on May 6.
The coalition between the CDU/CSU and SPD holds 328 seats in the 630-seat Bundestag, suggesting that at least 18 coalition members either abstained or voted against Merz. Analysts attribute this internal dissent to disagreements over proposed policies, including a contentious borrowing program for defense and infrastructure.
This marks the first time in post-war German history that a chancellor candidate has failed to be elected in the initial parliamentary vote. The Bundestag now has 14 days to elect a chancellor by absolute majority. If no candidate achieves this, a third vote will be held where a simple majority suffices. In that case, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier can either appoint the candidate or dissolve the Bundestag and call for new elections.
The failed vote has cast uncertainty over Germany’s political stability and Merz’s ability to lead. Until a new chancellor is elected, Olaf Scholz will continue as acting chancellor.
Sources: Reuters, Financial Times, Associated Press
