Germany’s Merz Fails to Be Elected Chancellor in Shock First-Round Parliamentary Vote

In a stunning political development, Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany’s center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), failed to secure enough votes in the Bundestag to be elected Chancellor in the first round of parliamentary voting. The outcome has sent shockwaves through the German political landscape and raised questions about the future of coalition politics in the country.

Merz, a veteran politician and former opposition leader, had been widely expected to succeed as Chancellor following his party's strong performance in the most recent federal elections. His CDU party, along with its sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), had emerged as the largest bloc in parliament, but still fell short of an outright majority. Merz had spent weeks negotiating with other parties to form a governing coalition, but the vote suggests that he was unable to secure sufficient support from either allies or swing voters.

The Bundestag vote, held during a highly anticipated session in Berlin, required a candidate to receive an absolute majority—at least 368 votes out of 735—to be elected Chancellor in the first round. However, Merz fell short of that threshold, garnering only 342 votes. The remaining votes were scattered among other candidates or abstentions, with a significant number of lawmakers choosing not to support any nominee.

Political analysts describe the result as a significant setback for Merz and the CDU. Although failure in the first round does not automatically disqualify a candidate, it significantly weakens their political position and raises doubts about their ability to lead a stable government. It also highlights the deep divisions and complexities of coalition-building in Germany’s increasingly fragmented political environment.

Critics have pointed to several factors that may have contributed to Merz’s failure. Some lawmakers from potential coalition partners, such as the Free Democratic Party (FDP) and the Greens, were reportedly uneasy about key policy positions and leadership style. Others were concerned about Merz's perceived hardline stance on economic and immigration issues, which may have alienated centrist and left-leaning MPs.

Additionally, some within Merz’s own party are said to be disappointed with the pace and content of coalition talks. “It was not just about numbers, but about trust,” said one anonymous CDU member. “And trust seems to have been lacking in critical areas.”

The failure also opens the door for further rounds of voting. According to the German Basic Law (Grundgesetz), the Bundestag can hold up to three rounds to elect a Chancellor. If no candidate secures a majority in the third round, the President of Germany has the constitutional authority to either appoint the candidate who received the most votes as Chancellor of a minority government or dissolve the Bundestag and call for new elections.

This uncertainty puts pressure on all parties to return to the negotiating table and find a workable compromise. Some commentators believe that Merz may still have a path to the Chancellery, but it would require significant concessions and bridge-building with skeptical factions. Others speculate that an alternative candidate—perhaps a more moderate figure within the CDU or a consensus choice from another party—could emerge if Merz proves unable to rally enough support.

In the meantime, Germany remains in a state of political limbo. The outgoing Chancellor continues in a caretaker capacity, but without a new government in place, key decisions on domestic and foreign policy remain stalled. This comes at a time when Germany, like much of Europe, is facing a range of pressing challenges, including economic uncertainty, the war in Ukraine, and energy transitions.

As Germany’s political leaders regroup and reassess their options, the failed vote marks a dramatic moment in the country’s post-war democratic history. It serves as a reminder that even experienced politicians and strong electoral showings do not guarantee success in the complex world of parliamentary democracy.