NewsMerz falls short in first chancellor vote, Bundestag in turmoil

Merz falls short in first chancellor vote, Bundestag in turmoil

Political earthquake in the Bundestag. Friedrich Merz did not obtain the required majority in the first round of the chancellor election in Germany, reports Spiegel.

Designated Chancellor and Chairman of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party Friedrich Merz attends the election of German Chancellor at the Bundestag in Berlin, Germany, 06 May 2025. The new German government will be formed between the Union parties of Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU) and the coalition partner Social Democratic Party (SPD). EPA/HANNIBAL HANSCHKE Dostawca: PAP/EPA.

Images source: © PAP | PAP/EPA/HANNIBAL HANSCHKE

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The candidate for German chancellor, Friedrich Merz, did not secure the required majority in the first vote in the Bundestag on Tuesday. The candidate of the three-party coalition - CDU, CSU, and SPD - was supported by 310 members of parliament in a secret vote on Tuesday. Six votes were lacking.

The required majority is 316 votes. The coalition holds 328 seats, indicating that some coalition members voted against their own candidate.

The Bundestag session was adjourned.