On May 6, 2025, Germany's Bundestag elected Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), as the country's new Chancellor. However, the process was anything but ordinary. In a historic first, the presumptive coalition candidate failed to secure a majority in the initial round of voting—an event without precedent in post-World War II German politics.
🗳️ The Two-Vote Process: A Political First
To be elected Chancellor, a candidate must receive a majority of the Bundestag's 630 seats—at least 316 votes. Merz, leading a grand coalition between the CDU/CSU and the Social Democratic Party (SPD), held a theoretical majority of 328 seats. Yet in the first round of voting, he received only 310 votes—six short of the required threshold.
This marked the first time in modern German history that a pre-agreed coalition candidate failed to win a first-round vote. The loss raised immediate questions about internal dissent within the governing alliance.
Later that same day, a second round of voting was held. Merz narrowly secured the chancellorship with 325 votes, just above the required majority but still fewer than the coalition's total seats. The result exposed underlying fractures within the coalition and cast early doubts on the new government's stability.
⚖️ Intra-Coalition Tensions and Defection
The unexpected number of defectors—at least 18 MPs—sparked speculation about internal dissatisfaction. Analysts pointed to policy disagreements and ideological rifts between Merz's conservative CDU and the center-left SPD.
A key flashpoint was Merz’s controversial stance on immigration. Earlier in 2025, he supported an anti-immigration resolution with backing from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), breaking an unwritten rule in German politics not to cooperate with extremists. This move likely alienated some SPD members and even moderates within his own party.
The Bundestag's secret ballot system further complicates matters, as it allows MPs to vote independently of party lines—making it impossible to identify the defectors but easy to see their political impact.
📉 A Rocky Start and Fragile Leadership
Failing to secure a majority in the first round significantly dented Merz’s credibility. German media described his inauguration as a "damaged ascent" to office. The slim margin in the second vote suggests he may struggle to lead a coherent government, especially when tackling divisive issues.
With the far-right AfD gaining momentum and the SPD showing internal resistance, Merz’s leadership will likely be under constant scrutiny. His ability to mediate between diverging views within the coalition will be crucial for maintaining government stability.
🔍 Challenges Ahead: Unity, Policy, and Public Trust
The top priority for Chancellor Merz will be to unify his coalition. Failure to address the concerns that led to defection could jeopardize his ability to pass key legislation. Disputes over immigration, fiscal policy, and energy strategy are likely to dominate the political agenda in the coming months.
Furthermore, Merz must regain the public’s trust and project confidence domestically and internationally. His handling of U.S.–EU trade relations, climate commitments, and European defense policy will test his diplomatic skills.
✍️ Conclusion
Friedrich Merz’s chancellorship began with an unprecedented parliamentary setback, highlighting the fragile nature of his mandate. Although he ultimately secured the position, the process revealed serious vulnerabilities in his leadership and within the ruling coalition. As Germany enters a new political era, much will depend on Merz’s ability to maintain unity, enact meaningful policy, and reassure a divided electorate.
