Merz did not get the required number of votes in the first round of the German chancellor election
The lower house of the German parliament failed in the first round to elect the leader of the Christian Democratic Union, Friedrich Mertz, to the post of federal chancellor. He lacked six votes, which was an unprecedented event in the history of the Federal Republic of Germany. About this informs daily news.
In a secret ballot, Mertz received 310 votes, while at least 316 were needed to be elected chancellor. Although the CDU/CSU and SPD coalition has a combined 328 seats, this was not enough.
Bundestag President Julia Kleckner announced the results:
“Deputy of Parliament Friedrich Merz did not obtain the required majority of 316 votes and thus was not elected Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany.”
This situation is unique – previously in the history of Germany, there were no cases when a chancellor candidate failed after forming a coalition. All previous chancellors were elected already in the first round of voting. After an unsuccessful vote, parliamentary factions hold discussions on further actions.
Mertz and SPD co-chairman Lars Klingbeil said the day before that they were counting on the support of the majority, and during factional meetings, the presence of all coalition deputies was confirmed. The Bundestag session was adjourned. Coalition members intend to find out the reasons for the failure of the vote for Mertz’s candidacy.
According to Article 63 of the German Basic Law, if the first round is unsuccessful, the Bundestag has 14 days to try again to elect the federal chancellor with an absolute majority. If this cannot be achieved, a new round is held, in which the candidate with the most votes will win. If this candidate does not receive the support of the majority, the federal president has seven days to appoint a chancellor or dissolve the Bundestag.
