Berlin, Germany — Friedrich Merz’s bid to become Germany’s next chancellor hit an unexpected hurdle on Tuesday as he narrowly fell short in the first round of parliamentary voting. Merz needed at least 316 votes from the Bundestag but garnered only 310. The German parliament consists of 630 members, and this initial outcome has raised questions about the stability of the coalition government he intends to lead.
The day started with anticipation as Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), was viewed as the frontrunner to secure the necessary votes and be officially sworn in later that same day. However, following the announcement of the vote results, the parliamentary session was suspended to allow legislators to consider their next steps.
The German stock market reacted negatively to the news, with the Dax index dipping approximately 1.4% shortly after the voting results were made public. Market analysts are watching developments closely, as a failed election can imply deeper political instability.
According to the German constitution, a second vote must occur within 14 days if no candidate secures an absolute majority. Should this subsequent vote also fail, there are protocols in place to address the situation, though details remain unclear.
Merz’s CDU, along with its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), secured the most votes in the national elections held in February, leading to their coalition negotiations with the Social Democratic Party (SPD). The coalition, termed “Responsibility for Germany,” was formalized just days prior, following extensive discussions prompted by the close electoral outcome.
At 69, Merz has for years aspired to the highest political office in Germany, having cultivated his political ambitions since his youth within the CDU. His political journey includes an early stint as a member of the European Parliament and a subsequent tenure in the Bundestag, where he faced significant competition, notably from former Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Merz, whose career transitioned from the legal profession—where he worked as both a judge and a lawyer—to prominent roles in finance, including positions at BlackRock and HSBC, has returned to the political arena amid shifting party dynamics.
Political analysts suggest that Merz’s previous conflicts with Merkel over party leadership complicate his current political landscape, as he seeks to unify and lead a coalition while grappling with potential dissent within his own ranks. His path forward may require exceptional negotiation skills as he navigates the diverse interests represented in the coalition government.
As events unfold, the upcoming vote looms large, and the influence of various political factions within the Bundestag remains a critical factor in determining whether Merz can finally assume the chancellorship he has long pursued.