In an unprecedented turn of events, Friedrich Merz’s attempt to become Germany's chancellor fell short in parliament, sparking uncertainty about the country's governmental future.
Friedrich Merz's Bid for Chancellor Fails: What Lies Ahead for Germany?
Friedrich Merz's Bid for Chancellor Fails: What Lies Ahead for Germany?
Parliamentary Deadlock Leaves Germany Without a New Leader as Parties Consider Next Steps
May 6, 2025, 8:06 a.m. ET
Friedrich Merz's ambition to become Germany's tenth chancellor met an unexpected hurdle on Tuesday morning when he failed to secure the necessary votes in the Bundestag. In a secret ballot, Merz was short by six votes, unable to achieve the requisite 316-vote majority typically required for such appointments.
The political landscape in Germany is now in flux, with parliament afforded a two-week window to drum up support for Merz or another contender in a second vote. The process can repeat indefinitely as there is no cap on the number of votes allowed, although it remains uncertain whether lawmakers will push for a re-vote today or postpone it.
Should Merz miss the mark in the upcoming ballots, the situation may evolve into a third phase, wherein lawmakers can nominate multiple candidates. In this scenario, the candidate achieving the highest number of votes would assume leadership, though they wouldn't need an absolute majority. Given that Merz's Christian Democrats hold a significant number of seats, either he or a fellow party member stands a good chance of success.
However, if a chancellor is appointed via a relative majority, the German president, traditionally a ceremonial figure, may opt to initiate new elections, adding another layer of complexity to the political atmosphere.
This historic moment marks the first instance in 76 years of the German republic where a prospective chancellor has been unable to secure majority backing in parliament. Consequently, the transition of power is now stagnant. Ministers cannot be appointed or sworn in, leaving Olaf Scholz and his cabinet in a caretaker role until a resolution is reached.
For Merz, even if he ultimately gains office, the setback could inflict considerable damage to his political reputation.
Christopher F. Schuetze reports for The Times from Berlin, focusing on the intricate politics, societal dynamics, and cultural narratives across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Friedrich Merz's ambition to become Germany's tenth chancellor met an unexpected hurdle on Tuesday morning when he failed to secure the necessary votes in the Bundestag. In a secret ballot, Merz was short by six votes, unable to achieve the requisite 316-vote majority typically required for such appointments.
The political landscape in Germany is now in flux, with parliament afforded a two-week window to drum up support for Merz or another contender in a second vote. The process can repeat indefinitely as there is no cap on the number of votes allowed, although it remains uncertain whether lawmakers will push for a re-vote today or postpone it.
Should Merz miss the mark in the upcoming ballots, the situation may evolve into a third phase, wherein lawmakers can nominate multiple candidates. In this scenario, the candidate achieving the highest number of votes would assume leadership, though they wouldn't need an absolute majority. Given that Merz's Christian Democrats hold a significant number of seats, either he or a fellow party member stands a good chance of success.
However, if a chancellor is appointed via a relative majority, the German president, traditionally a ceremonial figure, may opt to initiate new elections, adding another layer of complexity to the political atmosphere.
This historic moment marks the first instance in 76 years of the German republic where a prospective chancellor has been unable to secure majority backing in parliament. Consequently, the transition of power is now stagnant. Ministers cannot be appointed or sworn in, leaving Olaf Scholz and his cabinet in a caretaker role until a resolution is reached.
For Merz, even if he ultimately gains office, the setback could inflict considerable damage to his political reputation.
Christopher F. Schuetze reports for The Times from Berlin, focusing on the intricate politics, societal dynamics, and cultural narratives across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
