In an unprecedented moment for German parliamentary history, Friedrich Merz, the leader of the Christian Democratic Union CDU, has failed to secure the necessary majority in his first attempt to be elected Federal Chancellor. In the secret ballot conducted during the Bundestag session on Monday, Merz received only 310 of the required 316 votes—falling six votes short despite the coalition between CDU/CSU and SPD holding a combined total of 328 seats.
Bundestag President Julia Klöckner announced the result with formality: “The member Friedrich Merz has not reached the required majority of at least 316 votes. In accordance with Article 63, paragraph two of the Basic Law, he has not been elected Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany.” A total of 621 of 630 members of parliament participated in the vote, making the shortfall all the more significant.
This marks the first time in the Federal Republic’s history that a chancellor candidate, following successful coalition talks, has failed in the initial parliamentary vote. The session was suspended immediately, as coalition leaders entered emergency talks. CDU deputy chairwoman Silvia Breher later confirmed that a second vote would not take place the same day, though it may happen as soon as Wednesday.
In the aftermath, the CDU/CSU publicly closed ranks around Merz, with faction members giving him extended applause behind closed doors. The SPD, meanwhile, rejected any suggestion that its MPs were responsible for the missing votes, pointing to high support levels within the party and affirming that all members had voted in line with the coalition agreement. Still, the outcome points to underlying tensions—whether due to unfulfilled expectations, internal dissatisfaction, or quiet protest.
What’s next? The German constitution allows the Bundestag a 14-day window to elect a chancellor by absolute majority, opening the door to additional rounds of voting and even alternative candidates. If no one secures an absolute majority during this period, a relative majority in a final round could suffice—potentially altering the power dynamics of the incoming government.
