Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany’s conservative bloc, failed to become chancellor in a key Bundestag vote held Tuesday. Although his party recently won national elections, Merz did not receive the 316 votes needed in the 630-seat parliament. He secured only 310, falling just short of a majority. The result is a serious setback for Merz and raises doubts about the future of Germany’s leadership.
Parliament Shock: Merz Falls Short by Six Votes
Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) had expected strong support from its coalition partner, the Social Democrats (SPD). But 18 lawmakers from the alliance did not vote for him. Political observers call the result historic, as no chancellor candidate has missed the mark in a first-round vote since the founding of the Federal Republic in 1949.
According to the German constitution, the Bundestag has 14 days to elect a chancellor. Lawmakers can vote multiple times in this period. If no one wins an absolute majority, the president may appoint a leader with only a simple majority.
SPD Rebellion Suspected After Coalition Deal
The surprising vote loss has caused political unrest in Berlin. Experts suggest that members of the SPD may have turned against Merz despite a recent coalition agreement. The SPD had signed the deal with the CDU just days before the vote.
“The rebellion appears to have come from inside the house,” said Dr. Lars Keller, a political analyst based in Hamburg. “Some SPD lawmakers may be unhappy with the power-sharing terms and used the vote to express their frustration.”
Merz’s Leadership Image Damaged
Friedrich Merz, 69, had campaigned on promises of strong leadership and national unity. His defeat now casts doubt on his ability to lead a stable government. The vote comes after the collapse of the previous ruling coalition, which left the country in a state of political uncertainty.
Observers say Merz’s failure could delay reforms and stall decisions on key issues like energy, defense, and social spending.
A Historic Ceremony Marred by Disappointment
On the night before the vote, Germany held a military ceremony, the traditional “Großer Zapfenstreich” (Grand Tattoo), to bid farewell to outgoing chancellor Olaf Scholz. The event, meant to signal a smooth transition of power, was overshadowed by the next day’s shock.
Merz had planned to visit President Frank-Walter Steinmeier after the vote to take the oath of office. Those plans are now on hold. His long-awaited dream of becoming Germany’s chancellor remains out of reach—for now.
Merkel Watches as Merz Stumbles
Former chancellor Angela Merkel was present in the Bundestag during the vote. She watched as Merz, once seen as her political heir, failed to secure enough support. The moment was seen by many as symbolic of a changing political era.
“Merkel’s presence added to the drama,” said journalist Ute Schmidt. “It was as if history was watching the new leadership struggle to be born.”
What Happens Next?
The Bundestag will now enter a two-week phase in which it can try to elect a chancellor again. If Merz fails a second time, other candidates could emerge. If no majority is found after repeated votes, the president may step in to appoint a leader.
This period of uncertainty could affect investor confidence and delay key policy plans. Germany, the largest economy in Europe, is watching closely as events unfold.
Friedrich Merz’s narrow failure in the Bundestag has shaken Germany’s political scene. With coalition unity now in doubt and the chancellorship still up for grabs, all eyes are on Berlin. The coming days will decide whether Merz can recover or if a new contender will rise.