Friedrich Merz Elected as Germany's Chancellor After Unexpected Voting Challenges
The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Social Democratic Party (SPD) candidate secures the chancellorship following a two-round vote in the Bundestag.
Friedrich Merz has been elected as Germany's Chancellor in a subsequent vote in the Bundestag, following an unexpectedly low majority in the initial round of voting earlier on May 6. Merz received 325 votes in the second round, exceeding the absolute majority needed, yet three representatives from the ruling parties chose not to support him, raising questions within the coalition.
The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU) combined with the Social Democratic Party (SPD) hold a total of 328 seats in the Bundestag, for which Merz required 316 votes to assume the chancellorship in the first round.
However, he garnered only 310 votes, with three abstentions, one invalid ballot, and nine representatives failing to participate in the vote.
The identity of the 18 party members who did not support Merz remains undisclosed, as voting is conducted in secret.
Questions have been raised regarding the three members who abstained during the second round as well.
Despite the complications, Merz's support increased in the second round, receiving nine more votes than required for an absolute majority, yet still falling short of a complete backing from his coalition.
In accordance with the German Basic Law, representatives have 14 days following the first vote to attempt selecting a chancellor, after which a candidate can be elected with a relative majority.
The urgency for a swift resolution was evident, as Merz was scheduled to meet with foreign heads of state in Paris and Warsaw.
To facilitate an earlier vote on Tuesday, an amendment to the house rules was necessary, allowing for the re-vote prior to the usual three-day waiting period required.
The pivotal vote occurred shortly before 4 PM, amid heightened anticipation.
Olaf Scholz, the outgoing Chancellor from the SPD, was seen greeting Merz, illustrating a transition of leadership.
In contrast, former Chancellor Angela Merkel, who had attended the first vote, was absent during the second.
Following the successful vote, Merz is expected to receive his certificate of appointment from President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the presidential palace, with a swearing-in ceremony planned for the Bundestag later in the evening.
The new Chancellor will appoint his ministers, who will also take their oaths subsequently.
The situation marks a historical moment in German politics, as it is unprecedented for a Chancellor candidate to fail in the first round of voting since the establishment of the Federal Republic of Germany in 1949. This event sets a distinctive tone for Merz's administration from the outset.
The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU) combined with the Social Democratic Party (SPD) hold a total of 328 seats in the Bundestag, for which Merz required 316 votes to assume the chancellorship in the first round.
However, he garnered only 310 votes, with three abstentions, one invalid ballot, and nine representatives failing to participate in the vote.
The identity of the 18 party members who did not support Merz remains undisclosed, as voting is conducted in secret.
Questions have been raised regarding the three members who abstained during the second round as well.
Despite the complications, Merz's support increased in the second round, receiving nine more votes than required for an absolute majority, yet still falling short of a complete backing from his coalition.
In accordance with the German Basic Law, representatives have 14 days following the first vote to attempt selecting a chancellor, after which a candidate can be elected with a relative majority.
The urgency for a swift resolution was evident, as Merz was scheduled to meet with foreign heads of state in Paris and Warsaw.
To facilitate an earlier vote on Tuesday, an amendment to the house rules was necessary, allowing for the re-vote prior to the usual three-day waiting period required.
The pivotal vote occurred shortly before 4 PM, amid heightened anticipation.
Olaf Scholz, the outgoing Chancellor from the SPD, was seen greeting Merz, illustrating a transition of leadership.
In contrast, former Chancellor Angela Merkel, who had attended the first vote, was absent during the second.
Following the successful vote, Merz is expected to receive his certificate of appointment from President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the presidential palace, with a swearing-in ceremony planned for the Bundestag later in the evening.
The new Chancellor will appoint his ministers, who will also take their oaths subsequently.
The situation marks a historical moment in German politics, as it is unprecedented for a Chancellor candidate to fail in the first round of voting since the establishment of the Federal Republic of Germany in 1949. This event sets a distinctive tone for Merz's administration from the outset.
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