Among Germany’s partners Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany’s main opposition party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has formed a government and become Chancellor. This stunning development comes after an initial stunning defeat in the Bundestag. Merz won his election in the second round of voting. He did get re-elected, with 325 votes—15 more than he garnered in his initial unsuccessful run. This election will decide the course of German politics for the next generation. On the first ballot Merz has already earned the dubious distinction of being the first candidate in post-war Germany not to receive parliamentary support.
To pass in such a secret ballot, the Bundestag required an absolute majority of 316 votes of its 630 members. During the first round, Merz couldn’t even get 310 votes. His unlooked for rebound brought demonstrable fragility of his governing coalition, with the Social Democratic Party (SPD), into sharp focus. At the national level, the CDU emerged victorious in national elections held in February, winning 28.5 percent of the vote. This victory catapulted Merz into the role of kingmaker set to bring stability back to Germany.
A Historic First Round Defeat
Merz’s failure to win on the first ballot is unprecedented in Germany’s post-war history. He had a very difficult political environment to operate in as he tried to put together a majority government. Merz had experienced the crushing disappointment of losing after his first defeat. He bowed his head in the chamber of parliament as the election results were declared.
The German constitution allows for the president to either appoint a chancellor or dissolve the Bundestag and call for new national elections. Following the first-round vote, three politicians recused themselves, one ballot was ruled invalid, and nine members did not vote. This has left the opposition’s Merz coalition looking shaky, revealing deep divisions in his own party and among would-be coalition partners.
“It shows how fragile the coalition’s situation is and that some lawmakers are prepared to spread uncertainty — that’s a warning signal,” – Friedrich Merz
Second Round Success
Despite the defeat, Merz quickly managed to gather enough votes in his favor for a second round of voting. Hope died when this disappointment was eclipsed by his election as chancellor being confirmed despite these fears when he gained 325 votes. The election was marked by outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz extending a handshake to Merz, symbolizing a peaceful transition of power.
This election cycle reveals the perils of Germany’s legislative coalition governance. To form a governing majority, Merz requires the support of at least one partner. In the weeks and months ahead, we’ll all be looking at his success or failure to do just that. Many observers pointed out that this election process is symptomatic of greater tensions within the coalition, as the left, left-center, and right fight for dominance.
Opposition Calls for Change
German political leader Alice Weidel just issued the strongest of all German demands. She is calling for Merz to resign and for new elections to take place. Her remark encapsulates fears that run deeply about the current government’s cohesion and sanity.
“Merz should step aside and the way should be cleared for a general election,” – Alice Weidel
Looking ahead, important next steps await Merz. Now he needs to get his feet under him, build upon his emerging mandate, and skillfully steer the stormy waters that lie ahead. With an increasingly fragmented political landscape, his leadership will be tested as he strives to maintain support within his coalition.
