In a day marked by political shock and constitutional precedent, Friedrich Merz has officially been elected Chancellor of Germany following a tense and unprecedented second vote in the Bundestag.
The 69-year-old leader of the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) secured 325 votes in the late afternoon session, surpassing the 316-vote threshold required to form a government. This victory came just hours after a stunning failure in the initial vote earlier in the day — the first time in postwar German history that a chancellor candidate failed to secure confirmation after a successful coalition agreement.
The initial defeat sent tremors through Berlin’s political establishment, casting doubt on Merz’s leadership and the cohesion of his coalition with the center-left Social Democrats (SPD). The narrow passage in the second round has exposed deep undercurrents of instability within the new government, which now commands one of the slimmest parliamentary majorities since World War II, holding just 52 percent of seats.
“I thank you for your trust and I accept the election,” Merz said to Bundestag President Julia Klöckner, visibly relieved, as his conservative colleagues erupted in applause. Outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz extended a handshake, marking the formal end of his tenure and the beginning of a new political chapter.
The razor-thin margin in both votes highlighted divisions within the governing coalition. In the first round, Merz fell six votes short of the required majority, receiving only 310 votes despite the coalition holding 328 seats. The secret ballot format obscured the identities of dissenting lawmakers, but speculation quickly turned to internal discord, particularly within the CDU itself.
“There have been some dissenters in both groups, perhaps more in one than in the other,” said Serap Güler, a senior figure within the CDU. “I hope that in the last few hours, our colleagues have had the opportunity to reflect, because this is not about personal sensitivities, this is about the future of our country.”
CDU parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn acknowledged the gravity of the moment before the second vote, declaring, “All of Europe, perhaps the entire world, is watching.” The urgency led four parliamentary factions — including the Greens and the Left — to fast-track a second session, bypassing the normal procedural timeline.
Unconventional Chancellor
Merz assumes office as Germany’s 10th chancellor and the oldest to do so since Konrad Adenauer. Despite a long political résumé, including service in the European Parliament and a stint as CDU parliamentary leader, Merz has never held executive office. After retreating from politics in the early 2000s following a power struggle with Angela Merkel, Merz spent over a decade in the private sector, including a high-profile tenure at BlackRock.
His return to politics in 2018 signaled a pivot to traditional conservatism, appealing to segments of the electorate disillusioned by Merkel’s centrist legacy. But the transition has not been seamless. Critics argue that his lack of executive experience and untested leadership style could challenge his ability to steer the country through a fragile economic and geopolitical landscape.
Economic pressures and foreign policy assertiveness
Merz inherits a nation grappling with economic stagnation and domestic polarization. Germany’s economy has contracted for two consecutive years, and zero growth is forecast for 2025. His government plans to launch a €500 billion investment package focused on infrastructure and defense, a reversal from the CDU’s traditional fiscal restraint.
On the foreign policy front, Merz has drawn attention for his hawkish stance on Ukraine. In a recent interview, he signaled support for sending Taurus cruise missiles to Kyiv — a position that puts him at odds with his predecessor. “Germany should also participate,” Merz said, noting that allies like the UK, France, and the US are already providing such weapons. He emphasized the need for Ukraine to move beyond a reactive stance and suggested even targeting the strategically critical Crimean Bridge.
Such rhetoric marks a significant departure from Scholz’s cautious approach and suggests Merz will pursue a more assertive role in European and transatlantic affairs. He is expected to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron and Polish officials in his first foreign trip as chancellor.
Rising extremism and political volatility
Merz begins his chancellorship under the looming threat of far-right extremism. The Alternative for Germany (AfD), recently classified as a far-right extremist organization by domestic intelligence, is now the largest opposition party. The party capitalized on Merz’s initial defeat, with AfD parliamentary leader Bernd Baumann declaring, “This is a historic defeat, the likes of which has never been seen before in this Bundestag.”
Observers warn that political volatility may become more frequent as support erodes for centrist parties. “These are times of dwindling certainty,” said political scientist Karl-Rudolf Korte, highlighting a broader erosion of parliamentary discipline and public trust in traditional institutions.
Merz has also faced criticism for controversial overtures to the AfD in recent parliamentary votes on migration policy — moves seen by many as weakening the firewall mainstream parties pledged to maintain against the far right. Still, Merz has pledged to rebuild trust. “We are a great country of more than 80 million people,” he said. “I want to show that the effort is worth it.”
Who is Friedrich Merz?
Friedrich Merz is a veteran figure in German conservative politics known for his pro-business stance, transatlantic orientation, and sharp rhetorical style. At 69, he becomes the oldest chancellor to take office in postwar Germany, despite never having held a top executive role in government.
Merz began his political career in the European Parliament in 1989 before serving in the Bundestag from 1994 to 2009, where he rose to lead the CDU parliamentary group. After losing a power struggle with Angela Merkel, he left politics for over a decade, working in the private sector — most notably as chairman of BlackRock Germany. Returning to politics in 2018, Merz gradually reclaimed leadership within the CDU, positioning himself as a traditional conservative voice. His election as chancellor crowns a remarkable political comeback, but his lack of executive experience and polarizing positions present immediate tests to his leadership.
Key facts about Merz
- Merz started his political career in 1989 as a Member of the European Parliament, later serving in the Bundestag from 1994 to 2009.
- Corporate Leadership: After leaving politics, Merz became chairman of BlackRock Germany, amassing wealth and a strong business reputation.
- Rivalry with Merkel: A bitter rivalry with Angela Merkel led to his departure from politics, as he lost the CDU leadership contest in 2000.
- Political Comeback: Merz returned to politics in 2018 and became CDU leader in 2022, marking a shift to a more conservative direction.
- Chancellor at 69: At 69, Merz became Germany’s Chancellor in 2025, the oldest person to assume the role in postwar history.He is the oldest chancellor to take office since Konrad Adenauer