Friedrich Merz elected Germany’s new Federal Chancellor

The German Bundestag has elected Friedrich Merz, the leader of the CDU/CSU bloc, as the new Federal Chancellor, replacing Social Democrat Olaf Scholz. Merz secured 325 votes in favor, with 289 against and one abstention.

Merz was elected on the second ballot, after failing to obtain an absolute majority during the first round — he received 310 votes, falling short of the required 316. This marks an unprecedented situation in post-war German political history, as no chancellor candidate had ever failed on the first vote before.

Following the failed first vote, the Bundestag session was briefly suspended for party consultations. Merz was then elected in the second round through a secret ballot, becoming Germany’s tenth post-war chancellor at the age of 69.

With Merz’s confirmation, a new federal government is set to take office. The CDU/CSU bloc has released a proposed list of ministers for the incoming cabinet. Notably, Boris Pistorius will retain his current position.

Key appointments include:

Lars Klingbeil, party co-chair, as Finance Minister and Vice-Chancellor

Bärbel Bas, former Bundestag President, as Labor Minister

Verena Hubertz, former SPD parliamentary vice-leader, as Construction Minister

Carsten Schneider as Environment Minister

Stefanie Hubig, former Rhineland-Palatinate Education Minister, as Justice Minister

Reem Alabali-Radovan, current integration commissioner, as Development Minister

Johann Wadephul as Foreign Minister

Alexander Dobrindt as Interior Minister

This transition comes six months after the collapse of the previous coalition, marking a significant political shift and ushering in a new government for Germany.