Berlin – The newly formed government under Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) is set to face immediate challenges after a rocky start in the Bundestag. Merz's election as Chancellor did not go as smoothly as anticipated, with him failing to secure the necessary majority during the first round of voting.
On May 6, 2025, Merz received only 310 out of 621 votes, falling short of the required 316 votes needed for a successful election. This marked a significant setback for the coalition, which consists of the CDU/CSU and SPD factions that together hold 328 seats in parliament. It is unprecedented for a designated Chancellor to fail in the initial vote after coalition negotiations.
Despite this setback, Thorsten Frei (CDU), the designated Chancellor's office minister, expressed optimism about the new government's ability to deliver results quickly. He stated, "We have some measures that we want to implement immediately," which includes reducing electricity costs and providing relief for businesses.
In the wake of the election, discussions within the SPD have been tumultuous, particularly concerning the future of party co-leader Saskia Esken. Lars Klingbeil, the SPD party chief, criticized the internal handling of Esken, stating, "I find it shameful how discussions have unfolded in recent weeks." This sentiment was echoed by other party members who deemed the public debate over Esken's role as "unworthy."
As part of the coalition's efforts to stabilize the situation, the leaders of the CDU, CSU, and SPD signed their coalition agreement at the 'Gasometer' in Berlin. This event was marked by a mix of ceremonial formality and political rhetoric, as Merz, Klingbeil, and CSU leader Markus Söder pledged to work diligently for the betterment of the country.
During the signing ceremony, Söder emphasized the need for a new "Germany speed" to address pressing issues, including economic stability and migration restrictions. He humorously noted, "I want to look from the outside at the bubble,” indicating a desire for transparency and accountability within the new coalition.
Jens Spahn (CDU) was elected as the new chairman of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, receiving nearly 92 percent of the vote, which reflects a strong backing from his colleagues. This leadership change is seen as pivotal in ensuring unity within the party as it navigates the challenges ahead.
On the other hand, the cabinet is characterized by an older demographic, with Merz being the oldest at 69 years. The average age of the ministers is 53.1 years, which is notably higher than the previous government's average of 50.4 years. The new cabinet comprises 18 members, including eight women, which marks a slight decrease in female representation compared to the previous administration.
Among the newly appointed ministers are Lars Klingbeil as Vice Chancellor and Minister of Finance, and Bärbel Bas as Minister of Labor and Social Affairs. Other key figures include Boris Pistorius as Minister of Defense and Verena Hubertz as Minister of Housing, Urban Development, and Building. Hubertz has already indicated her determination to tackle significant issues, stating, "The excavators must roll again," referring to the urgent need for construction and infrastructure development.
Meanwhile, the newly appointed Minister of Justice, Stefanie Hubig (SPD), highlighted that the potential ban on the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party will be a major focus during her initial days in office. She asserted that the decision to pursue a ban should not be influenced by the party's current polling numbers.
As the new government prepares to take action, the political landscape remains charged with uncertainties. Olaf Scholz, the outgoing Chancellor, has promised not to interfere with Merz's administration, stating, "I will not constantly point out what the government is doing wrong." His commitment to a non-intrusive role is seen as a gesture of goodwill towards the new coalition.
Despite the initial hurdles, the Merz government has vowed to hit the ground running. The coalition leaders have expressed a commitment to economic growth, security investments, and addressing the concerns of workers and their families. Klingbeil emphasized that the coalition must prioritize the needs of citizens, stating, "Germany needs fewer administrators and more enablers."
As the government gears up for its first official day in office, the focus will be on delivering tangible results to regain public trust and prove its effectiveness. The coalition's ability to navigate internal party dynamics and external pressures will be crucial as they embark on this new chapter in German politics.
The coalition agreement has set the stage for a new era of governance in Germany, with leaders pledging to learn from past mistakes and work collaboratively for the nation's future. However, the path ahead is fraught with challenges, and the success of the Merz administration will depend on its ability to unify its factions and address the pressing issues facing the country.
