Friedrich Merz has officially become Germany’s new chancellor after winning a second parliamentary vote on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. The leader of the centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) clinched 325 votes in the Bundestag—just above the 316 required—after a surprising failure in the first round.
The failed first vote marked a rare moment in postwar German politics, as Merz’s CDU/CSU-SPD coalition was expected to comfortably secure the position with its 12-seat majority. Instead, the first-round defeat exposed cracks within the coalition and raised early doubts about Merz’s ability to unite the ruling bloc.
Political analysts have described the setback as an “embarrassing stumble” that may haunt Merz’s tenure. The failed vote briefly unsettled financial markets and delayed ceremonial proceedings, including the handover from outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Merz enters office at a difficult time. Germany is grappling with economic stagnation, inflation pressures, and a polarised political climate. In March, Merz controversially reversed his long-standing opposition to altering Germany’s fiscal rules by backing €1 trillion in new borrowing for defence and infrastructure—an unpopular move among fiscal conservatives that may have contributed to the dissent in parliament.
Meanwhile, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, now the second-largest in parliament, used the episode to attack the coalition’s credibility, calling for fresh elections.
Despite the rough start, Merz has pledged to restore Germany’s influence within Europe, with diplomatic trips to France and Poland already on the agenda. However, observers warn that his administration’s early instability could embolden opposition forces and erode public trust.
