BERLIN: German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Tuesday appointed conservative leader Friedrich Merz as chancellor after lawmakers elected Merz to the post in a dramatic second-round vote in the Bundestag.
The appointment in the presidential palace officially marks the start of Merz’s time in office, following a dramatic day in the Bundestag in which Merz initially failed to gain the necessary majority of MPs but prevailed in the second vote.
Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), was elected chancellor by securing an absolute majority of 325 votes in the 730-member lower house, defeating 289 votes against him.
The appointment ceremony took place at the presidential palace, formally marking the start of Merz’s tenure as post-war Germany’s 10th chancellor.
Earlier in the day, Merz had suffered an unexpected setback when he failed to secure the required majority in the first round of voting — the first such occurrence in Germany’s post-war parliamentary history.
He fell short by six votes, prompting urgent crisis meetings and intense negotiations within the Bundestag.
The surprise outcome revealed tensions within the newly formed coalition between Merz’s CDU/CSU alliance and the centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), led by outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Despite the rocky start, Merz’s second-round victory ends a decades-long ambition to lead Europe’s largest economy.
His earlier attempts were thwarted by former chancellor Angela Merkel, who led the country from 2005 to 2021.
At 69, Merz now steps into a pivotal role at a time of growing economic, social and geopolitical challenges.
Speaking ahead of his appointment, Merz said, “We live in times of profound change, of profound upheaval, and of great uncertainty. That is why we know it is our historic obligation to lead this coalition to success.”
Key issues on Merz’s agenda include reviving Germany’s stagnant economy, addressing immigration concerns, modernising national infrastructure, and strengthening defence in the face of the war in Ukraine.
His coalition also aims to take a firmer stance on migration and boost military spending.
The vote came a day before the 80th anniversary of Germany’s unconditional surrender in World War II.
Jens Spahn, CDU’s parliamentary leader, stressed the importance of a functioning government amid global instability.
“The whole of Europe, perhaps even the whole world, is watching this second round of voting,” he said in a speech urging MPs to “be aware of this special responsibility.”
Merz, a former corporate lawyer and longtime CDU stalwart, has never held a cabinet position.
His cabinet includes senior party figure Johann Wadephul as foreign minister – the first time a CDU lawmaker will hold the post since the 1960s.
European leaders welcomed Merz’s election. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, a former CDU minister, called Merz “a proven friend and expert on Europe” and said she looked forward to working with him for “a strong and more competitive Europe.”
French President Emmanuel Macron congratulated Merz and said: “It is up to us to accelerate our European agenda for sovereignty, security and competitiveness. For the French, for the Germans and for all Europeans.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed hope for greater German leadership in Europe and transatlantic affairs.
Merz is scheduled to make his first official visits to Paris and Warsaw on Wednesday.
