Merz Elected Chancellor

Germany’s parliament has elected conservative leader Friedrich Merz as the country’s new chancellor in a second round of voting, after he failed to secure a majority in the first round despite his coalition's numerical advantage, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency

Merz, 69, was supported by lawmakers from his CDU/CSU alliance and junior partner, the Social Democratic Party (SPD), receiving 325 votes—just above the 316 needed in the 630-seat Bundestag. His surprise initial setback was attributed to the secrecy of the ballot, with possible dissent from within the coalition.

Merz becomes Germany’s 10th post-war chancellor, following a coalition agreement after the February 23 snap elections. Under the deal, the CDU/CSU will lead key ministries including foreign affairs, interior, and the economy, while the SPD will control finance, defense, and labor.

The CDU/CSU won the election with 28.5% of the vote, and despite the SPD’s historic low of 16.4%, it became essential for forming a stable majority.