Friedrich Merz Fails to Win Enough Votes to Become Chancellor

Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany’s conservative party, has failed to become the new chancellor. This happened on Monday, May 6, 2025, in the first official vote held in the German parliament, known as the Bundestag. He needed 316 votes to win. But he only received 310.

This result was a big shock. Merz had won the federal elections about two and a half months ago. He also formed a coalition with the centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD). Together, both parties have enough seats to form a majority in the 630-seat Bundestag. So, it was expected that he would win.

But 18 members, who were supposed to support him, did not vote for him. It is believed that many of these were from the SPD. Not everyone in the SPD was happy about working with Merz. The two parties had signed a coalition agreement just one week ago.

This failure is seen as a major embarrassment for Merz. No chancellor candidate in Germany has failed in this way since 1949. Political experts say this is a very rare event in German history.

Now, the Bundestag has 14 more days to vote again. They can choose Merz or pick another candidate. There is no limit on how many times they can vote. But if no candidate gets 316 votes, the president of Germany can allow a candidate to become chancellor with only a simple majority.

Merz’s defeat has raised big questions about his leadership and the future of the coalition. It may also open the door for other political figures to step forward.