Friedrich Merz failed today to secure the parliamentary majority in the Bundestag needed to be sworn in as Chancellor, marking the first time in the history of the Federal Republic of Germany that this has occurred. He received 310 out of the 316 votes required. [1], [2].
His party, CDU/CSU, and the SPD, with which he was set to form a coalition, together hold 328 seats in Parliament, meaning that 18 coalition members did not vote for him in the secret ballot. According to Politico, it is even possible that the defeat in Parliament came from MPs within his own party.
A second round will take place today, tomorrow, or Friday, while the far-right AfD is calling for new national elections, hoping for a victory, according to the Guardian.
The development comes at a critical time for Germany, as it faces a series of challenges (recession, Trump tariffs, energy crisis).
“Merz must step aside and make way for national elections,” said AfD leader Alice Weidel to reporters, calling the result “a good day for Germany.”
If Merz fails to secure the support of Parliament in the second round, which should take place within the next two weeks, a third round of voting will be held, requiring only a simple majority.
Meanwhile, former Chancellor Olaf Scholz, though he would have handed over the keys to the chancellery to Merz today, will remain as interim chancellor until the new government is formed.
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