Focus on the BIG picture.
Thursday, May 15, 2025

Friedrich Merz Elected as Germany's New Chancellor in Close Vote

Friedrich Merz Elected as Germany's New Chancellor in Close Vote

Merz secures leadership amid concerns over coalition stability and rising far-right opposition.
The German parliament has elected Friedrich Merz as the country’s 10th chancellor since the end of World War II, following a tense second round of voting that succeeded a shaky first attempt earlier in the day.

Merz received 325 votes in a secret ballot, narrowly surpassing the required 316 votes, after facing an unexpected setback when 18 members of the newly formed coalition between his Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) and the Social Democrats (SPD) voted against him in the first round.

In a statement after the results were announced, Merz expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him, stating, “I accept the election.” The first round of voting had raised questions about the stability of the incoming coalition government, with observers labeling the earlier rebellion a significant political setback.

Merz, a corporate lawyer with no prior experience in leading state governments, leads the CDU/CSU, which won a snap election in February with a disappointing 28.6% of the vote.

The SPD, now the junior partner in the coalition, achieved its worst electoral performance in over a century, earning just over 16% of the vote.

Together, these parties now hold a slim majority in the Bundestag, the German parliament, where the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) has emerged as the largest opposition bloc.

The stakes were high for Merz, as a failure to secure the chancellorship in the second round could have thrown the country into political disarray, potentially leading to new elections that could favor the AfD, known for its anti-immigration stance and pro-Kremlin positions.

Despite the election outcome, Merz’s term begins under the shadow of potential instability within the coalition.

Analysts suggest that he faces numerous challenges, including reviving a stagnant economy, countering rising far-right populism, and maintaining strong support for Ukraine amid a tumultuous transatlantic relationship.

The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, extended congratulations to Merz, expressing hope for increased European leadership.

Upon signing the coalition agreement, Merz emphasized the need for “strong, well-planned and dependable governance” during times of significant change.

He presented his cabinet to President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the Bellevue Palace in Berlin.

His immediate agenda includes travel to Paris and Warsaw to reaffirm Germany's commitment to European integration, and participation in ceremonies marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Polling has indicated that Merz’s popularity is weak among the electorate, with only 38% supporting him as chancellor and a significant portion of the populace, particularly among SPD voters, expressing disapproval.

The coalition, despite stronger backing than Merz himself, faces skepticism about its ability to address pressing national issues.

Furthermore, the outgoing government recently adjusted its economic growth forecasts to zero for the current year, influenced by external factors such as fluctuating trade policies.

Merz previously initiated a reform of Germany's “debt brake” to facilitate increased public spending, aimed at addressing infrastructure needs and military support, although this has sparked internal dissent within his coalition.

As Merz embarks on his chancellorship, he is poised to navigate political currents that could challenge his leadership and the overarching stability of Germany, affecting its role as a key player in European and global affairs.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Starlink Now Profitable: SpaceX Hits Major Milestone with $11.8 Billion in Revenue
Portuguese Right-Wing Leader Collapses During Campaign Rally
A Pakistani imam in Italy gave a sermon stating that every Muslim should fight the infidels or face ‘catastrophic consequences’.
President Trump and Elon Musk Welcomed by Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim with Cybertruck Convoy
EU Court Orders Disclosure of von der Leyen’s Texts with Pfizer CEO Over €35 Billion Vaccine Deal
Strong Warning Issued: Do Not Use General Chatbots for Medical, Legal, or Educational Guidance
Saudi Arabia Emerges as Global Tech Magnet with U.S. Backing and Trump’s Visit
Mexican Influencer Valeria Márquez Killed During Livestream in Suspected Femicide
This man went to take $5,000 out his own bank account and was arrested for it
This was President's departure from Saudi Arabia. The Crown Prince personally escorted him back to the airport.
CIA Files Reveal Klaus Barbie's Role in Bolivian Drug Trade and Dictatorship Support
Daughter of crypto boss escapes Paris kidnap in latest in series of attacks
U.S. FDA to Remove Oral Fluoride Supplements for Children Amid Gut Health Concerns
Kim Kardashian Testifies in Paris Robbery Trial, Tells Gang Leader: 'I Forgive You'
NVIDIA and Saudi Arabia Launch Strategic Partnership to Establish AI Centers
Reports Reveal Alarming Cognitive Decline in Biden Prior to Election Withdrawal
Trump Meets Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara in Historic Encounter
South Africans chant call to genocide against White people.
Trump takes a blow torch to the neocons and interventionists while speaking to the Saudis
US and Saudi Arabia Sign Landmark Agreements Across Multiple Sectors
Why Saudi Arabia Rolled Out a Purple Carpet for Donald Trump Instead of Red
Flip flop: UK Introduces New Immigration Policy to Reduce Net Migration
Elon Musk Joins Trump Meeting in Saudi Arabia
Poland Tightens Immigration Policy with New Plan to Suspend Asylum Law
Trump says it would be 'stupid' not to accept gift of Qatari plane
Nissan Plans to Cut Over 10,000 Additional Jobs Worldwide
8-Year-Old Orders 70,000 Lollipops Using Mother’s Phone, Prompting $4,200 Amazon Bill and Viral Facebook Plea
Quantum Computing Threatens Bitcoin Security
American citizens account for 70% of worldwide pharmaceutical sales despite comprising only 4% of global population
Michael Jordan to Serve as Analyst for NBA Games
New Details Emerge on Syrian Attacker's Motives in German Festival Stabbing
US and China Agree to Reduce Tariffs by 115% in Bilateral Trade Deal
Trump Defends Qatar's Offer of Jumbo Jet Amid Controversy
Brazil’s President Aims to Strengthen Ties with China Amid US Trade Tensions
Senate Democrats Move to Censure Trump Over Qatar Jet Gift
First White South Africans Resettled in the U.S. Amid Controversy Over Persecution Claims
Hamas Releases Last Living US Hostage from Gaza Amid Ongoing Conflict
British National Sentenced to Ten Years in Saudi Arabia for Deleted Tweet
India and Pakistan Agreement on Ceasefire Amid Ongoing Tensions
Trump's Upcoming Middle East Trip Excludes Israel, Raising Concerns Among Israeli Officials
Kurdistan Workers Party Announces Dissolution Amid Ongoing Conflict Resolution Efforts
Zelenskyy Seeks Ceasefire as Putin Proposes Direct Talks in Turkiye
Arsenal Stages Comeback to Draw 2-2 Against Liverpool in Premier League Clash
Transnational Crime Rings Exploit Stolen Identities to Drain Billions from U.S. Taxpayer Funds
U.S. and China Reach Preliminary Trade Agreement Amid Ongoing Tensions
US Withdraws Tourist Visas from Baja California Governor and Spouse
Trump's Upcoming Visit to Gulf Nations: Investment and Security at the Forefront
Rodrigo Duterte Awaits Trial at The Hague. Next week he might be elected mayor of his hometown
Trump fires director of U.S. Copyright Office, sources say
Trump says U.S. and China negotiated "total reset" in tariff talks
×