Germany's Merz Squeaks Through as Chancellor After Historic First Vote Failure

[webfact]

Germany's incoming chancellor Friedrich Merz shakes hands with outgoing German chancellor Olaf Scholz as Merz is elected (Picture courtesy of REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch)

 

In an unexpected twist in German politics, conservative leader Friedrich Merz has secured the chancellor's position after a second round of voting in the parliament. Merz faced a remarkable political hurdle as the initial parliamentary vote saw his alliance with the centre-left Social Democrats rejected—the first such failure in post-war Germany.

 

Despite leading the CDU/CSU alliance to victory in February's federal election and forming a coalition with the Social Democrats, Merz initially fell short on securing enough support, obtaining only 310 out of the necessary 316 votes in the first try. However, a subsequent secret ballot yielded a 325 to 289 vote in his favour, enabling Merz to sidestep a political quandary that left him visibly shaken and prompted emergency discussions with his loyalists.

 

As 69-year-old Merz prepares to take charge amidst a stagnant economy and heightened global tensions, his leadership is under scrutiny. His coalition has proposed strategies to boost growth by slashing corporate taxes and energy costs while pledging robust backing for Ukraine and beefier military budgets. Yet, significant tasks lie ahead, particularly with a defence in government positions secured only by Defence Minister Boris Pistorius.

 

The appointment of Merz marks his debut in a governmental role, having launched his career as a European lawmaker in 1989 and later rising to prominence in German politics. His leadership is challenged by dwindling public support, driven partly by the staunch rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). The AfD has been classified as right-wing extremist by domestic security services and has gained a foothold, particularly in Germany's eastern regions.

 

President Frank-Walter Steinmeier was set to swear in Merz and his cabinet, which consists primarily of fresh faces, many from the private sector. The swearing-in ceremony was scheduled before Merz's diplomatic visits to Paris and Warsaw.

 

As Merz steps into his role at a momentous time for Germany, opposition voices question his ability to unify both the parliament and the nation. Far-left and far-right figures criticised Merz, highlighting a perceived fragility in the coalition's foundation. Despite the rocky start, Merz now assumes the mantle as post-war Germany's 10th chancellor, with his leadership vision firmly under the spotlight as Europe watches closely.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-05-07

 

 

[FlorC]

Very sad ! The Germans are going to pay for it , literally and in others ways.

[SOTIRIOS]

...Another In A Series Of 'Unlikely Vote Outcomes' Manifesting Globally... (?)

[Bannoi]

Good news for Ukraine

[FlorC]

1 hour ago, Bannoi said:

Good news for Ukraine

Yes , another time the Germans go fight the Russians (direct or proxy).

 

Like other euro countries they are blind to the army already within their border.

 

[sharot724]

Who would have thought Germany, of all the countries, they would emerge as  the class of the World.

 go figure...

[Sydebolle]

Well, one should bar all those gifted politicians who changed their mind of "no" to "yes" within hours; wondering what kind of envelopes/promises Merz had to admit. Merz is not there to serve Germany to the best of his abilities but to serve himself to the best of his ego and status. 

Nothing to do with excellent German politicians like Brandt, Schmidt, Genscher or Wishnevsky - sad state of affairs. But then again, why should Germany be different to the rest of completely decadent derailed Europe .......

Europe - quo vadis? The car called "Europe" had an excellent motor called "Germany"; regretfully a thing of the distant past. Let's see if war mongering Merz puts the "Taurus" war gear in motion towards Ukraine which will break the (Russian's) camels back. Unless someone can stop these mad minds I fear for the worst. 

Eventually common sense will prevail and Merz is "detronizzato" within a year - hope dies last, as we know. As a non-German I can only hope and wonder, if the outcome reflects the true wish of the German voters or rather some WEF-corrupt clowns in the circus tent of Berlin? 

[KhunBENQ]

Look at the looser party (SPD, "social democrats") and see how many ministers and other high ranks they get. It's a complete voter fraud.

And of course the cabinet is balanced to the woke (male/female, east/west/north/south).

It's not about finding the most competent people.

 

At the very end of the last legislative period they rushed through a trillion Euro debt package.

100 billion assigned to climate protection to buy the vote of the greens.

 

[JonnyF]

Oh what a tangled web we weave.

 

The machinations to keep the AFD out of power are coming at a high price to Germany, and ultimately the EU. 

[rudi49jr]

4 hours ago, JonnyF said:

Oh what a tangled web we weave.

 

The machinations to keep the AFD out of power are coming at a high price to Germany, and ultimately the EU. 

The AfD did not win the election, as far as I know, not even close.

And a party that’s all buddy buddy with Russia and whose leader called Hitler a socialist should not be allowed anywhere near a position of power.

[johng]

6 minutes ago, rudi49jr said:

The AfD did not win the election

 

They should have and would have if it wasn't for 2 rival parties ganging up to keep them out of office...  Much like the Reform party in England had a very large share of votes  but only gained 2 seats in parliament..how ever they recently gained a big win in local council elections  and the "ruling party" are now having some thoughts.  AFD  will probably also cause those German ruling party coalitions members some thoughts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[]t for

[candide]

22 minutes ago, johng said:

 

They should have and would have if it wasn't for 2 rival parties ganging up to keep them out of office...  Much like the Reform party in England had a very large share of votes  but only gained 2 seats in parliament..how ever they recently gained a big win in local council elections  and the "ruling party" are now having some thoughts.  AFD  will probably also cause those German ruling party coalitions members some thoughts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[]t for

No. Not like UK. In Germany, seats are allocated according to the percentage of votes for each party. AfD lost, and the CDU/CSU won, accord8ng to their respective number of votes.

https://www.dw.com/en/german-election-results-explained-in-graphics/a-71724186

[rudi49jr]

1 hour ago, johng said:

 

They should have and would have if it wasn't for 2 rival parties ganging up to keep them out of office...  Much like the Reform party in England had a very large share of votes  but only gained 2 seats in parliament..how ever they recently gained a big win in local council elections  and the "ruling party" are now having some thoughts.  AFD  will probably also cause those German ruling party coalitions members some thoughts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[]t for

This post just shows your utter ignorance on this matter. Germany has a one man/woman, one vote system. No districts, no electoral college, nothing. Here’s how that worked out in percentages. So don’t give me that BS that AfD should have and would have won.

 

 

[johng]

The graph above just confirms what  I said   two parties ganged up to keep AFD from gaining power. 

 

https://www.deutschland.de/en/topic/politics/coalition-treaty-new-federal-government-germany-overview

Following several weeks of coalition negotiations, the Christian Democratic Union of Germany / Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) and the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) have set out their plans for a coalition government in a treaty.

[rudi49jr]

1 minute ago, johng said:

The graph above just confirms what  I said   two parties ganged up to keep AFD from gaining power. 

 

https://www.deutschland.de/en/topic/politics/coalition-treaty-new-federal-government-germany-overview

Following several weeks of coalition negotiations, the Christian Democratic Union of Germany / Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) and the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) have set out their plans for a coalition government in a treaty.

How does that equate to ‘AfD would have and should have won’?

[johng]

If the two parties had not ganged up   then the AFD would have won  its quite simple look at your graph they got the most votes for a single party.

Also it seems AFD took all of the former "Eastern Germany"  and had quite a bit of success in "Western Germany" too.

And just like in the UK the success of the new  "opposition" party has scared the living daylights out of the "traditional" two party incumbents.

[candide]

5 minutes ago, johng said:

If the two parties had not ganged up   then the AFD would have won  its quite simple look at your graph they got the most votes for a single party.

Also it seems AFD took all of the former "Eastern Germany"  and had quite a bit of success in "Western Germany" too.

And just like in the UK the success of the new  "opposition" party has scared the living daylights out of the "traditional" two party incumbents.

Can't you read? CDU/CSU 28.6%, AfD 20.8% 🤣

[johng]

1 minute ago, candide said:

Can't you read? CDU/CSU 28.6%

CDU/CSU  are the same party ?  why do they have 2 names ?

[Sir Dude]

Classic case of German politics and election MO, completely weak and designed to make traffic-light coalitions that can barely agree on anything, with endless meetings to decide anything meaningful.

Times they are a changing and people are unhappy with the status quo... the winds of change are blowing across Europe and it is only a matter of time regarding how long the established liberal order can hang on to power, as they have generally failed miserably on major issues and people are starting to see it.

[UWEB]

6 hours ago, JonnyF said:

Oh what a tangled web we weave.

 

The machinations to keep the AFD out of power are coming at a high price to Germany, and ultimately the EU. 

Better to pay a high price than have the NSAFD Fascists in power.

[Cameroni]

16 minutes ago, johng said:

CDU/CSU  are the same party ?  why do they have 2 names ?

 

One is the Bavarian division. They wear Lederhosen.

[UWEB]

39 minutes ago, johng said:

The graph above just confirms what  I said   two parties ganged up to keep AFD from gaining power. 

 

https://www.deutschland.de/en/topic/politics/coalition-treaty-new-federal-government-germany-overview

Following several weeks of coalition negotiations, the Christian Democratic Union of Germany / Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) and the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) have set out their plans for a coalition government in a treaty.

Since the Federal Republic of Germany exist there was never a one party only Government, it's always two or more parties for a coalition government.

[candide]

18 minutes ago, johng said:

CDU/CSU  are the same party ?  why do they have 2 names ?

CSU is the Cristian Democrat party in Bayern. They've been together since 1949.

[johng]

19 minutes ago, Cameroni said:

 

One is the Bavarian division. They wear Lederhosen.

 

 

[StayinThailand2much]

10 hours ago, FlorC said:

Very sad ! The Germans are going to pay for it , literally and in others ways.

 

Exactly, Germany is the 'Sick Man of Europe' again, thanks to Merkel's and Scholz's mismanagement over the past 20 years. Doubtful that a Merz government will be able to turn that around.

[Cameroni]

31 minutes ago, UWEB said:

Since the Federal Republic of Germany exist there was never a one party only Government, it's always two or more parties for a coalition government.

 

Not true.

 

From 20 September 1960 to 1961 the Christian Democrats ruled the FRG by themselves.

[UWEB]

4 minutes ago, Cameroni said:

 

Not true.

 

From 20 September 1960 to 1961 the Christian Democrats ruled the FRG by themselves.

Not true

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Federal_Republic_of_Germany_governments

 

[Cameroni]

41 minutes ago, UWEB said:

Not true

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Federal_Republic_of_Germany_governments

 

 

When you are taught by people who know more than you, it is better to accept the schooling with humility, accept your ignorance, and not to compound your embarassment by digging your hole even deeper.

 

"At the federal level, a single-party government has occurred only once so far. Between 1957 and 1961, the CDU/CSU held an absolute majority in the Bundestag and was able to govern alone (Third Adenauer cabinet); even then, the minor German Party was included in the government for the first three years of its existence, and the government was not a fully single-faction cabinet until those ministers joined the CDU in July 1960."

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_governing_coalition#:~:text=Between 1957 and 1961%2C the,single-faction cabinet until those

[candide]

1 hour ago, StayinThailand2much said:

 

Exactly, Germany is the 'Sick Man of Europe' again, thanks to Merkel's and Scholz's mismanagement over the past 20 years. Doubtful that a Merz government will be able to turn that around.

It's more than mismanagement. It's the whole economic model becoming obsolete. In particular about energy, industry and defence.

[rudi49jr]

55 minutes ago, candide said:

It's more than mismanagement. It's the whole economic model becoming obsolete. In particular about energy, industry and defence.

That’s why they have decided to invest hundreds of billions of euros (700 billion, if memory serves) in boosting the economy - both industry and energy sectors - and strengthening their military defense.