Friedrich Merz's Chancellorship Bid Falters as Vote Falls Short in Bundestag

In a historic failure, Friedrich Merz did not secure the majority needed for the chancellorship, leaving Germany's leadership uncertain.

On May 6, 2025, Friedrich Merz's anticipated swearing-in as Germany's 10th chancellor encountered a significant hurdle when he fell short of a parliamentary majority during a crucial vote. A secret ballot revealed he was merely six votes away from the required 316-vote threshold, an outcome that has set off a series of political maneuvers.

With a two-week window now open, lawmakers are faced with the challenge of garnering support for either Merz or another candidate in a potential follow-up vote. While there is no cap on the number of attempts, it remains unclear whether parliament will initiate another round of voting on the same day or defer the decision.

Should Merz continue to lack adequate support in further votes, parliament may transition into a "third phase." In this scenario, multiple candidates can be nominated, and the candidate receiving the highest number of votes—though not necessarily a majority—would win the chancellor position. Given that Merz leads the Christian Democrats, it stands to reason that he, or an alternative from his party, would likely ascend to the chancellorship.

However, there’s a significant twist. If a candidate emerges through a relative majority, Germany's president—traditionally a figurehead—could evoke constitutional powers to instigate new elections, further complicating the political drama unfolding in Berlin.

Notably, this event marks an unprecedented moment in the 76-year history of the Federal Republic of Germany, as it represents the first instance of a prospective chancellor failing to secure the necessary parliamentary majority. Consequently, until a resolution is reached, Olaf Scholz and his current cabinet remain in a caretaker capacity, unable to finalize appointments or implement policy changes.

For Merz, despite the possibility of eventual victory, the reputational repercussions of this setback might be considerable, casting a shadow over his future as a leader in German politics.

Christopher F. Schuetze, a Times reporter based in Berlin, continues to monitor this evolving political saga that directly impacts Germany's governance and stability.