German conservative leader elected chancellor after historic first-round loss

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Friedrich Merz was elected chancellor of Germany after facing a historic loss in the Bundestag. In the second round, 325 lawmakers voted for Merz, bringing him past the 316-vote threshold. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has already demanded that Merz step down and call for new elections following his loss in the first round.

Merz’s initial loss marked a historic moment, as it was the first of its kind in post-war Germany.

The result came as a major upset, as Merz was widely expected to win, thanks to a coalition deal involving his party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU); its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU); and the Social Democratic Party (SPD).

Germany’s Incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz shakes hands with Outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz as Merz is elected chancellor by parliament in second round of voting in the German lower house of parliament Bundestag in Berlin, Germany May 6, 2025.  (REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch)

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In February, Merz led his party to a federal election victory and later signed the deal that many assumed would secure him the votes needed to become chancellor. However, on Tuesday, Merz received 310 votes—falling short by six—as at least 18 Members of the German Parliament in the coalition did not back him, according to Reuters.

Friedrich Merz is expected to become Germany’s next leader after the center-right Christian Democratic Union and the center-left Social Democrats reached a deal to form a new German government. (Michael Kappeler/dpa via AP)

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To secure the position of chancellor, Merz would have needed to win 316 out of 630 in the Bundestag. The coalition of CSU/CDU and SPD has 328 seats, more than enough to secure a majority victory. However, Merz received 310 votes, while 307 members voted against him and nine others abstained.

Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democratic Union reacts as he listens to the announcement of the result during the session of the German Lower House of Parliament Bundestag, to elect the new German chancellor, in Berlin on May 6, 2025. (REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch)

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Despite his unexpected loss, Merz is not out of luck. The Bundestag now has 14 days to elect the next chancellor, and Merz still has a chance of winning the position. Germany’s socialist Left Party, however, is pushing to hold another round of chancellor elections as soon as Wednesday, according to Germany-based news outlet DW.

Merz had already lined up victory trips to France and Poland on Wednesday, Reuters reported, though it is unclear whether he will proceed with the visits as planned following the defeat.

Rachel Wolf is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital and FOX Business.