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Investing.com -- Friedrich Merz was elected Germany’s chancellor on his second attempt Tuesday, following an unexpected failure in the first round of parliamentary voting. The outcome marked the first time in Germany’s postwar history that a chancellor candidate did not secure confirmation on the initial ballot.
Merz’s proposed coalition holds a 12-seat majority in the Bundestag, making the initial vote result unusual. The voting process is secret, and no members of the coalition have publicly disclosed voting against him.
He ultimately won confirmation in the second round, allowing him to succeed Olaf Scholz as Germany’s 10th postwar chancellor. The delay, however, has drawn attention to the cohesion of the coalition and the level of support Merz commands within it.
The circumstances may signal challenges ahead for the government as it begins its legislative agenda. A failed first vote, while not disqualifying, is unusual and could lead to closer scrutiny of upcoming policy negotiations.
Merz now faces the task of consolidating his position and advancing the coalition’s priorities in both domestic and European policy areas. The leadership transition comes at a time of heightened economic and security debates across the region.
His CDU/CSU alliance won the federal election in February and reached a coalition agreement with the center-left Social Democrats. The agreement outlines measures aimed at boosting economic growth, including corporate tax cuts and reduced energy costs, as well as increased defense spending.
Merz, 69, began his political career in 1989 as a member of the European Parliament, but his appointment marks his first time holding an executive government position.
The new government is expected to outline its legislative plans in the coming weeks, as attention turns to how Merz will navigate his mandate following a contested start.