Merz Germany Chancellor Bid Hits Snag
The outcome of the vote has significant implications for Germany's political landscape and its role in Europe, with Merz's failure to win in the first round raising questions about his ability to lead the country effectively. The next round of voting will be closely watched, as Germany celebrates the 80th anniversary of its unconditional surrender in World War II.
Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany's conservative party, has suffered a significant setback in his bid to become the next chancellor, failing to win a parliamentary majority in the first round of voting. Merz, who is hoping to become modern Germany's 10th chancellor, won the backing of 310 MPs but fell short of the 316 votes needed for an absolute majority.
This is the first time in German post-war history that a chancellor candidate has failed to win in the first round. The setback prolongs the political paralysis in Berlin, which has been ongoing since the collapse of the coalition government of Olaf Scholz in February. Merz had vowed to revive the ailing economy and strengthen Berlin's role in Europe, but the unexpected result has sparked fresh turmoil and pointed to dissent within the ranks of the two-party coalition hoping to rule Germany.
The result keeps Scholz in the post of caretaker chancellor for now, and a second round of voting is expected to take place within 14 days. If Merz fails to win in the second round, a third phase would take place where a simple majority would suffice to elect him as chancellor. Analysts have warned that Merz's failure to win in the first round could damage his domestic and international authority, and suggest that the government may struggle to push through its economic policy agenda.
The far-right Alternative for Germany party has cheered the result, calling it a "good day for Germany". The new chancellor will have to deal with issues such as the war in Ukraine, the Trump administration's trade policy, and the rise of a far-right, anti-immigrant party. Merz's coalition has pledged to spur economic growth, take a tougher approach to migration, and modernize the country.