In a historic and unprecedented turn of events, Friedrich Merz, the leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party, has been elected as the new German chancellor after a second vote by the Bundestag on Tuesday. This comes after Merz initially fell short of the required 316-vote threshold by six votes earlier in the day. However, in a surprising turnaround, he managed to secure 325 votes in the second round, thanks to the support of conservatives and allies in the parliament.
The situation is a first in Germany’s post-war history, as no prospective chancellor had previously failed to be voted through by the Bundestag at the first try after securing a coalition agreement. Merz faced significant opposition from 289 MPs, many of whom were from the Left and Green parties, who voted against the 69-year-old leader. Despite this, Merz’s party was able to rally support and win the necessary votes to secure his position as chancellor.
The second vote was made possible after four factions agreed to alter parliamentary procedures to avoid delays. According to reports, urgent closed-door meetings were held between the votes, allowing Merz’s party to regroup and strategize. Before the second round of voting, CDU/CSU parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn addressed lawmakers, emphasizing the significance of the moment. “All of Europe, perhaps even the entire world, is watching this second round of voting,” he said. “I appeal to everyone to be aware of this special responsibility.”
The election of Friedrich Merz as German chancellor marks a significant moment in the country’s political history. As the leader of the CDU party, Merz will play a crucial role in shaping Germany’s future and addressing the challenges facing the country. The fact that he was able to secure the necessary votes in a second round of voting is a testament to his ability to rally support and build coalitions. As Merz begins his tenure as chancellor, he will be closely watched by leaders and citizens around the world, who will be eager to see how he navigates the complexities of German politics and addresses the pressing issues of the day.