Friedrich Merz becomes chancellor of Germany after a historic first-round defeat in parliament shakes confidence in the ruling coalition
At a Glance
- Friedrich Merz elected chancellor after failing first Bundestag vote
- CDU/CSU-led coalition reveals internal cracks and slim majority
- Far-right AfD emerges as largest opposition bloc
- Merz’s rightward shift sparks voter skepticism and tension
- Political instability raises specter of new elections
Merz Elected After Historic Setback
Friedrich Merz has officially become Germany’s 10th postwar chancellor—but not without turbulence. On May 6, Merz failed to secure the required majority in his initial vote in the Bundestag, receiving only 310 votes out of the necessary 316. It marked the first time since World War II that a chancellor-designate was denied confirmation in a first-round vote, exposing cracks in the CDU/CSU-SPD coalition that had only narrowly triumphed at the ballot box.
The surprise rebellion by at least 18 coalition members sent shockwaves through the German political establishment. Hours later, Merz won the chancellorship in a second vote with 325 votes, according to Bloomberg. Yet the damage was already done, fueling questions about his legitimacy and the durability of his fragile majority.
Watch The Guardian’s analysis at Friedrich Merz suffers shock defeat in German parliament vote.
Coalition Tensions and Rightward Drift
Merz, who campaigned as a conservative alternative to Angela Merkel’s centrist legacy, has promised bold reforms—including revising Germany’s “debt brake” law to allow more defense and infrastructure spending. But this agenda is unpopular with the coalition’s fiscally conservative wing and has further strained relations with uneasy Social Democrat allies. His individual approval rating sits at just 38%, as reported by The Guardian, raising doubts about his mandate.
Observers warn that Merz’s shift to the right could embolden the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), now the largest opposition bloc in parliament. The AfD has used the failed first-round vote as ammunition, claiming it proves that the centrist coalition is unstable and illegitimate.
Europe Watches, Allies Wait
Merz’s foreign policy priorities include reaffirming Germany’s role in NATO and strengthening ties with EU partners. His first planned visits are to Paris and Warsaw, where he hopes to reassure allies after weeks of coalition wrangling. However, as Reuters notes, Merz has never held a cabinet post or governed a federal state—a fact that continues to raise concerns about his executive readiness.
Domestically, some see Merz’s rocky start as a symptom of Germany’s “new normal.” Political scientist Wolfgang Schröder described the chaos as “Germany becoming normal,” telling The Guardian, “This bumpy patch shows that super-stability can no longer be taken for granted.”
What’s Next for Germany’s Government?
The coalition’s stability remains in question. If Merz’s leadership falters early, or if future parliamentary defeats mount, the risk of snap elections could grow—offering the AfD an unprecedented opening. Meanwhile, voters await proof that Merz can lead not just a party, but a fractured and anxious nation.
