Germany has officially welcomed a new government under Chancellor Friedrich Merz, following a tumultuous election process that saw him initially fall short of the necessary votes to secure the position. On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, Merz was elected in a second attempt after a historic first ballot failure, where he received only 310 votes, well below the required 316.
Despite expectations of full support from the coalition of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Christian Social Union (CSU), and Social Democratic Party (SPD), 18 members reportedly defected, leading to a significant political upheaval. This unexpected turn of events has left many questioning the stability of the new government.
In a special session of the Bundestag, the decision for a second ballot was made possible through a change in the rules of procedure, requiring a two-thirds majority. This was achieved with the cooperation of the SPD, Greens, and the Left Party. The second vote saw Merz garner 325 votes in his favor, with 289 against him and three abstentions, finally allowing him to take the reins of power.
Following his election, Merz took the oath of office in the Bundestag, invoking the religious phrase "So wahr mir Gott helfe". The occasion marked a significant moment not just for Merz, but for the CDU, as he officially replaced Olaf Scholz, whose coalition government collapsed six months prior. Merz now leads a cabinet consisting of 17 ministers, all of whom were sworn in shortly after his appointment by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
In his first remarks as Chancellor, Merz emphasized the importance of restoring trust in the political center and addressing the rising support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). According to a poll conducted shortly after the election, 57 percent of Germans believe the failed first vote will permanently tarnish Merz's reputation, while 51 percent think the AfD stands to gain the most from this political turmoil.
Merz expressed his commitment to ensuring that voters no longer feel the need to turn to the AfD, especially following the party's recent classification as a "secured right-wing extremist endeavor" by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution. He stated, "I want to do everything in this government to regain the trust of the people in the political center," underscoring his goal to diminish the appeal of extremist parties.
As the new government settles into its role, it faces numerous challenges, including a struggling economy and rising migration issues. The first cabinet meeting is scheduled for the same day, where urgent discussions on these topics are expected to take place. Merz has also planned his first international trips, with visits to Paris and Warsaw scheduled for May 7, 2025, where he aims to strengthen Germany's relationships with its European partners.
Amidst the political shifts, SPD leader Lars Klingbeil reassured party members that the faction remains united and committed to their responsibilities. He stated, "We should not speculate on where the dissenting votes in the first ballot came from," reinforcing the party’s trust in its members.
In contrast, the political landscape appears to be shifting, with Alexander Dobrindt, the designated Interior Minister, suggesting that future cooperation with the Left Party might be necessary to achieve legislative goals. This marks a significant departure from the CDU's previous stance of avoiding collaboration with the Left.
Looking ahead, the new government will need to act swiftly to restore confidence among the electorate and tackle pressing issues. Steinmeier, in his remarks during the cabinet appointments, highlighted the need for fairness in dealing with the new government and emphasized the importance of success for the sake of the country.
As the dust settles from the chaotic election process, all eyes will be on Chancellor Merz and his cabinet as they navigate the complexities of governance in a politically charged environment.
