In a surprising turn of events on May 6, 2025, Friedrich Merz, the leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), failed to secure the German Chancellorship in the first round of voting at the Bundestag. Merz garnered only 310 votes, falling short of the 316 needed for an outright majority in what marks a historic moment in German politics. This is the first time since the founding of the Federal Republic of Germany that a candidate for Chancellor has not achieved a majority in the first round.
The voting session, which took place in the Bundestag, saw a total of 621 votes cast out of 630 deputies, with Merz needing a simple majority to be elected. The session was presided over by Bundestag President Julia Klöckner, who announced the results, highlighting the unexpected nature of Merz's failure given that he was anticipated to be the frontrunner after winning the legislative elections in February.
Despite having the theoretical backing of his party and the Social Democrats (SPD), with whom he aimed to form a coalition government, Merz's support proved fragile. The coalition holds a total of 328 seats in the Bundestag, yet several members chose to vote against him or abstain, leading to this unprecedented outcome.
As the dust settles, Olaf Scholz remains the interim Chancellor, and a second round of voting has been scheduled for May 9, 2025. However, there are indications that this could be moved up to May 7, depending on parliamentary discussions. In this upcoming vote, if Merz fails to secure an absolute majority again, he may still be elected with a relative majority, which would require fewer votes.
The political ramifications of this failure are significant. The Alternative for Germany (AfD), a far-right party that came in second in the recent elections, has already called for new legislative elections. Party leader Alice Weidel stated, "We are ready to assume governmental responsibility... Friedrich Merz should resign immediately, and the way should be opened for new elections in our country." This statement underscores the growing tension and instability in the current political landscape.
Merz's defeat is not just a setback for him personally but also raises questions about the stability of the coalition he hoped to lead. His recent decisions, including relaxing strict national deficit rules to finance a rearmament program, have drawn criticism both from within his party and from the public. This has contributed to a perception of him as a controversial figure, struggling to maintain support even among his allies.
Political analysts are keenly watching how Merz navigates this challenging situation. The coalition's cohesion is under scrutiny, especially with the looming threat of the AfD gaining more influence. The situation is compounded by economic challenges, including a recession, and high expectations from both European and international stakeholders.
In the new Bundestag, the dynamics of power are shifting, and the failure to elect a Chancellor on the first ballot could signal deeper issues within the coalition. If Merz can secure a relative majority in the next round, he would be confirmed as the 10th Chancellor of modern Germany by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. However, the path ahead is fraught with challenges.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the implications of this voting outcome will be felt not just within Germany but across Europe as well. Observers are left to ponder the future of the CDU, the SPD, and the overall stability of the German government. With the clock ticking on the next vote, all eyes are on Merz and his ability to rally support in a time of uncertainty.
