Friedrich Merz, the leader of the CDU, has been elected as the Federal Chancellor after his historic failure in the first round of voting. On Tuesday afternoon, Merz received 325 votes in the Bundestag, with 289 members of parliament voting against him and one abstaining. Three votes were invalid and twelve were not cast.
To be elected, Merz needed the support of a majority of Bundestag members, or a “majority of chancellors” of 316 votes. The upcoming coalition between the CDU/CSU and the SPD has 328 members of parliament.
In the first round of voting, Merz only received 310 votes. This is the first time in history that a designated chancellor has failed to be elected after successful coalition negotiations following a Bundestag election in the first round of voting.