Merz fails in first bid to become German Chancellor

In a historic setback, CDU leader Friedrich Merz has failed to secure enough votes in the Bundestag to become Germany's next chancellor — despite his party winning the most votes in the recent election and securing a coalition deal with the center-left SPD.

Merz received just 310 votes in a secret ballot on Tuesday, falling six short of the 316 needed for a parliamentary majority. It's the first time in post-war German history that a proposed chancellor has failed in an initial vote following successful coalition talks.

The road to this vote

Germany held a snap federal election in February 2025 after the collapse of the previous government. Merz's CDU/CSU bloc came out ahead, with just under 29 percent of the vote — their second-worst result historically, but enough to lead coalition talks. The far-right AfD made record gains, finishing second, while the SPD came third. 

With mainstream parties ruling out cooperation with the AfD, Merz and SPD leader Lars Klingbeil struck a power-sharing deal — a revival of Germany's traditional "grand coalition."

Who is Merz?

Friedrich Merz is a long-time conservative heavyweight, known for his hardline stances on fiscal policy, law and order, and social welfare reform. A former BlackRock executive, he represents the CDU's pro-business wing and has pushed for strict budget discipline and increased defense spending — including relaxing Germany's "debt brake" for military and infrastructure funding.

What happened — and why?

Together, the CDU/CSU and SPD control 328 seats — more than enough for a majority. However, the secret ballot suggests internal rebellion: at least 18 coalition MPs withheld their support. Discontent in both parties is likely to blame, from SPD concerns over Merz's leadership style to CDU unease about fiscal concessions made during talks.

What happens next?

Parliament now has 14 days to try again. Merz could be re-nominated, or another candidate might emerge. If no candidate wins an absolute majority by then, a third round allows for a chancellor to be elected by relative majority — or the Bundestag could be dissolved, triggering fresh elections.

Until a new chancellor is elected, Olaf Scholz remains in office in a caretaker role.