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@dwnewsThis is the moment Friedrich Merz was elected Germany's 10th post-WWII chancellor, hours after his historic failure to secure the job in the first vote: https://t.co/b4VtyFxzXo
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Friedrich Merz Wins German Chancellorship with 325 Votes in Historic Second Round
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Friedrich Merz, the 69-year-old leader of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has been elected as the country's new chancellor in a second round of voting in the Bundestag. Merz initially fell short by six votes, receiving only 310 out of the necessary 316 in the first round, despite his coalition with the center-left Social Democrats (SPD) controlling 328 seats.
In the second round, Merz secured 325 votes, surpassing the required majority, with 289 votes against him, one abstention, and three invalid ballots. This victory follows the collapse of the previous coalition government, leading to snap elections in February where Merz's CDU/CSU alliance won with 28.5% of the vote.
Merz's election marks a significant shift in German politics, with the conservative leader promising to prioritize European unity and address national concerns such as the economy and immigration. His coalition with the SPD, which will oversee key ministries, aims to tackle these challenges amidst a stagnant economy and the rising influence of the far-right.
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