Friedrich Merz, the leader of the CDU party, faced a historic defeat on May 6, 2025, in his bid to become the Chancellor of Germany. In a secret ballot held in the Bundestag, Merz received only 310 of the 621 votes cast, falling short of the 316 votes required for a majority. This marks the first time in German history that a designated Chancellor has failed to secure the necessary votes in the first round of voting.
Bundestag President Julia Klöckner announced the results, confirming that Merz did not achieve the required majority as mandated by Article 63 of the German Constitution. "The member of parliament Friedrich Merz has not achieved the required majority of at least 316 votes. He is not elected as Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany," Klöckner stated.
The failure comes despite expectations from both Merz and SPD co-chairman Lars Klingbeil, who had expressed confidence in securing a clear majority from the coalition formed by the CDU/CSU and SPD, which holds a total of 328 seats in the Bundestag. Prior to the vote, both parties had convened special meetings to ensure all members were present, highlighting their anticipation of a successful outcome.
In light of the setback, Merz has indicated his intention to run again in a second ballot. Jens Spahn, the leader of the CDU parliamentary group, confirmed that the coalition intends to propose Merz once more for the Chancellor role. "We will suggest Friedrich Merz again for the second ballot," Spahn stated, emphasizing the coalition's commitment to moving forward.
While the timing of the second ballot remains uncertain, discussions are underway among party factions to potentially expedite the process. According to reports, negotiations are taking place among the CDU, SPD, Greens, and Left parties to shorten the timeframe for the second vote, which could occur as soon as Wednesday, May 7, 2025, rather than the previously anticipated date of Friday, May 9, 2025.
However, for a second ballot to be held earlier, a two-thirds majority would be necessary, which would require the support of other factions, including potentially the AfD or the Left party.
Despite the defeat, the Greens have expressed a desire for a functioning government, with party leader Franziska Brantner stating, "We wish for Europe and Germany to have a capable government." She noted that both Merz and Klingbeil need to demonstrate their ability to secure a majority for the long term.
On the other hand, the AfD welcomed Merz's failure, with party leader Alice Weidel commenting on social media that it reflects the fragile foundation of the coalition between the CDU and the SPD. Bernd Baumann, the AfD's parliamentary manager, criticized Merz's leadership, suggesting that he has faced consequences for past actions leading up to the election.
As the political landscape shifts, the SPD remains optimistic about its internal cohesion. Klingbeil asserted that there were no indications of dissent within the party, citing a recent member vote that showed 85 percent support for the coalition agreement.
Looking ahead, if Merz does not succeed in the second ballot, a third vote may be necessary. According to Article 63 of the Basic Law, a simple majority would suffice in that case. Should the candidate fail again, the Federal President has the option to dissolve the Bundestag and call for new elections within seven days.
The election process is critical, as it determines not just the leadership but also the direction of German politics in the coming years. With the coalition's majority at stake, all eyes will be on the upcoming votes and the strategies employed by the various factions to secure their interests.
As the situation develops, Friedrich Merz's leadership and the coalition's unity will be tested in the days to come. The outcome of the next ballot could significantly impact the political landscape in Germany and the effectiveness of the new government.
