Germany in Political Turmoil as Merz Fails Historic Chancellor Vote

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Germany in Crisis: Merz Fails Historic Chancellor Vote, Faces Uncertain Future

By TRH News Desk

New Delhi, May 6, 2025 – Germany faces unprecedented political uncertainty after Friedrich Merz, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) candidate for chancellor, failed to secure a majority in the first round of voting in the Bundestag.

In a historic upset, Merz garnered only 310 votes, falling six short of the 316 needed for an absolute majority, marking the first time in postwar German history that a chancellor candidate has lost the initial ballot.

The German constitution mandates an anonymous parliamentary vote to appoint the chancellor and form the government. Despite Merz’s coalition—comprising the CDU, CSU, and other partners—holding a supposed absolute majority, the shortfall suggests defections within his own ranks.

Dutch political commentator Eva Vlaardingerbroek remarked on X, “Merz went flat on his face in the Bundestag today… showing some members of his own coalition turned on him.”

The failure has thrown Germany into political chaos, with a second vote scheduled in 14 days. If Merz cannot secure a majority then, snap elections are likely, a scenario mainstream parties are desperate to avoid.

Vlaardingerbroek speculated, “They’ll do everything to have everyone on board to avoid AfD from getting another shot at becoming the largest party.”

The far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) seized the moment, with leader Alice Weidel calling the result a “good day for Germany” and demanding Merz step down to pave the way for new elections. “The people must decide,” Weidel declared.

Last week, Germany’s intelligence agency had dubbed AfD an “extremist organisation”, inviting condemnation of US President Donald Trump. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had slammed the ruling German alliance for taking “undemocratic” steps against AfD.

German media and international outlets underscored the gravity of the situation. DW Politics reported Merz’s shortfall, while the Daily Mail described Germany as “thrown into political chaos.” Financial analyst Holger Zschaepitz noted the unprecedented nature of the vote, emphasizing its historic significance.

As the Bundestag prepares for the next vote, Germany’s political future hangs in the balance, with coalition loyalties under scrutiny and the specter of new elections looming. Incidentally, Merz failed to win sufficient votes within 24-hour of the alliance announcing pact. Merz a day before said that Germany will take larger interests in Europe. But his weak support base within Germany puts him and his country at crossroads amid fluid geopolitical situations.

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