Berlin: In an unexpected political twist, CDU leader Friedrich Merz failed to secure enough support in the Bundestag on Tuesday to become Germany’s next chancellor. Despite being the frontrunner and leading a coalition with the SPD that holds a combined 328 seats—well above the 316 needed for a majority—Merz received only 310 votes, six short of the required threshold.
This marks a historic first in post-war Germany: no previous chancellor-designate has failed to secure the Bundestag’s backing after winning a federal election and finalizing a coalition agreement.
The outcome has dealt a blow to Merz personally, as he had confidently anticipated a smooth path to the chancellery. The Bundestag session was subsequently paused to allow political parties time to reassess their positions.
In a post on social media platform X, the CDU reaffirmed its support for Merz, urging swift action: "Our country needs stability. A second vote must happen quickly." The party stressed that resolving Germany’s challenges cannot be delayed.
According to Bundestag rules, a second vote may take place within two weeks. If no candidate obtains an absolute majority in a second round, a third vote could be decided by a simple majority. Alternatively, the federal president has the option to dissolve parliament and call a new election.
Following the failed vote, no immediate re-vote was scheduled, but Bundestag President Julia Klöckner reportedly invited the Greens and the far-right AfD to consider holding another ballot on Wednesday. Unless all parties agree to accelerate the process, the earliest legally permitted date for a repeat vote would be Friday.
Merz had planned diplomatic visits to Paris and Warsaw and was scheduled to attend World War II anniversary commemorations this week, but those plans are now uncertain.
Though the vote was confidential, speculation is growing that some CDU members may have withheld support, as SPD leader Lars Klingbeil denied any internal defection within his party. The AfD seized on the opportunity to call for Merz’s resignation and immediate new elections.
