Merz Wins German Chancellor Role After Historic First-Round Defeat
Sarah Johnson
May 7, 2025
Brief
Friedrich Merz elected German chancellor after historic first-round loss, revealing coalition tensions and political drama in the Bundestag.
In a dramatic twist in Berlin, Friedrich Merz has clinched the title of German chancellor after a shocking first-round defeat in the Bundestag, a historic stumble not seen in post-war Germany. Merz, leading the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), scraped through in the second round with 325 votes, just clearing the 316-vote hurdle. The coalition of CDU, its Bavarian ally CSU, and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) was expected to glide him into power, but 18 coalition lawmakers defied the script, leaving Merz six votes shy in the initial tally.
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is already baying for Merz’s resignation, demanding fresh elections to capitalize on the chaos. Meanwhile, the socialist Left Party is pushing for another vote as early as Wednesday, eager to keep the pressure on. Merz, who had victory laps planned in France and Poland, now faces a tight 14-day window to solidify his grip on leadership.
This saga reveals the fragility of coalition politics and the unpredictable undercurrents in Germany’s parliament. Merz’s resilience pulled him through, but the cracks in his coalition signal turbulent days ahead.
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Editor's Comments
Merz’s first-round flop in the Bundestag was like a German soap opera—full of betrayal and just enough votes to keep the plot going. Why did 18 coalition members ghost him? Maybe they thought ‘chancellor’ was a group project! With AfD stirring the pot and the Left Party speed-dialing another vote, Merz better keep his victory suitcase unpacked.
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