German conservative leader Friedrich Germany’s Merz fell short in his bid to become chancellor on Tuesday, unable to secure enough parliamentary votes. The setback has thrown Germany’s political landscape into uncertainty as the nation strives to recover from recession and curb far-right extremism. Merz, 69, who led his party to a federal election victory in February and brokered a coalition with the center-left Social Democrats (SPD), garnered only 310 votes in the Bundestag, six votes shy of the required majority. At least 18 coalition members withheld their support.
FAR-RIGHT OPPOSITION ON THE RISE
Merz, visibly shocked, quickly conferred with colleagues after the vote. The identities of those who withheld their support in the secret ballot and the reasons behind it remained unclear. Party insiders had previously predicted he would secure a majority, despite internal tensions within both coalition parties over cabinet nominations, policy compromises, and a massive borrowing package passed by the outgoing parliament.
Kloeckner adjourned the session to allow further discussions among the parties. While another vote on Tuesday seemed unlikely, sources indicated Merz was determined to stand again, with a potential vote scheduled for Wednesday or Friday.
Read More: FAR-RIGHT OPPOSITION ON THE RISE
“Although he is still likely to be elected, this incident highlights the lack of unity within the coalition, which could weaken his ability to implement policies,” said Holger Schmieding, Chief Economist at Berenberg in London.
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which finished second in February and has gained traction in recent polls, emerged as the only clear beneficiary of Tuesday’s political turmoil, according to Forsa pollster Manfred Guellner.
“Trust in political institutions is being further eroded,” Guellner noted.
German stocks continued to decline, following a drop from their near-record highs, which had been driven by expectations of increased government spending and growth. The Bundestag now has 14 days to elect Merz or another candidate as chancellor.
COALITION’S POPULARITY ALREADY FALLING
In February’s election, Merz’s conservatives won 28.5% of the vote, necessitating a coalition with at least one partner to form a majority. On Monday, they sealed a coalition deal with the SPD, which secured just 16.4%. The two parties have pledged to stimulate growth in an economy already grappling with its third consecutive year of downturn, worsened by the global trade tensions triggered by U.S. President Donald Trump’s import tariffs. Additionally, they have committed to significantly increasing defense spending amid a weakening U.S. NATO commitment.
However, both parties have seen their support wane since February, particularly the conservatives, due to dissatisfaction with Merz’s decision to relax borrowing limits, contrary to campaign promises of fiscal discipline. “The failed vote clearly signals that not all CDU members agree with this fiscal shift,” said Carsten Brzeski, Global Head of Macro at ING Research.
Germany has not had a majority government since the collapse of Olaf Scholz’s SPD-led coalition last November. Merz’s abrasive and unpredictable style, coupled with his lack of prior government experience, has also raised doubts about his ability to lead. Political scientist Philipp Koeker expects Merz to be elected in a second round but notes that this setback has severely damaged party relations and will likely intensify underlying tensions.
Reporting by Kirsti Knolle, Madeline Chambers, Rene Wagner, Sarah Marsh, Andreas Rinke, Markus Wacket, Holger Hansen, Rachel More, Friederike Heine; writing by Sarah Marsh; editing by Matthias Williams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Friedrich Merz fail to become Chancellor of Germany?
Merz, the leader of the conservative CDU, failed to secure enough votes in the Bundestag (lower house of parliament). He received 310 votes, six short of the required majority of 316, due to a lack of support from members of his coalition. Some coalition MPs did not back his bid, despite a prior agreement.
What is the significance of this failure for German politics?
This failure highlights a deep division within the ruling coalition, causing political uncertainty in Germany. It also raises concerns about Merz’s ability to effectively lead the government and implement key policies, especially with growing internal party friction.
How does this impact Germany’s economy and policy goals?
The failure adds instability to the German government at a time when the country is trying to recover from a recession. The coalition parties had pledged to boost economic growth and increase defense spending, but this setback may hinder their ability to follow through with these commitments, especially with weakened party unity.
What did Merz’s failure reveal about the coalition between the CDU and SPD?
The vote demonstrated that the coalition between the CDU and SPD is not entirely unified, with internal disagreements on key issues like fiscal policy, cabinet nominations, and spending. The CDU’s move to ease borrowing limits was particularly controversial and led to dissatisfaction within the party.
When will a new vote be held for Chancellor?
The Bundestag has 14 days to elect a new chancellor. While it is unlikely there will be another vote on Tuesday, Merz is expected to stand again, and a second vote may take place on Wednesday or Friday.
What are the implications for Merz’s political career?
Although Merz is likely to be elected in a second round, this failure could damage his political credibility and leadership ability. The infighting within his own coalition could weaken his standing both within the CDU and in broader German politics.
How did the far-right party, AfD, benefit from this situation?
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) stands to gain from the turmoil surrounding Merz’s failed election. As political instability grows, the AfD has seen an increase in support, benefiting from a sense of dissatisfaction with mainstream parties.
How did Merz’s leadership style affect his election outcome?
Merz’s abrasive and unpredictable leadership style, along with his lack of prior government experience, has failed to convince some members of the Bundestag that he is fit for the chancellorship. His leadership has also stirred conflict within his own coalition, further complicating his path to becoming Chancellor.
What are the consequences of Merz’s failed election on Germany’s trust in political institutions?
The failed election vote has further eroded public trust in political institutions, contributing to growing dissatisfaction with the political establishment. This ongoing instability could harm Germany’s democratic credibility and increase disillusionment among voters.
Will the failed vote have an impact on stock markets in Germany?
Yes, the uncertainty surrounding the election outcome led to a drop in German stock prices, reversing the near-record highs that had been driven by expectations of increased government spending and growth. This reflects investor concerns about political instability affecting economic recovery.
Conclusion
Friedrich Merz’s failure to secure enough votes in the Bundestag for the chancellorship has plunged German politics into uncertainty. This setback not only exposes deep divisions within the ruling CDU-SPD coalition but also raises questions about Merz’s leadership and ability to unite his party.
With Germany facing economic challenges and rising far-right support, the failed election has the potential to weaken efforts to revive growth and address defense spending. The ongoing instability risks further damaging public trust in political institutions, and the path ahead remains unclear, with another vote likely to occur in the coming days. How the coalition navigates these internal conflicts will be crucial in shaping Germany’s future political landscape.