# Germany at a Political Crossroads: Friedrich Merz Elected Chancellor After Historic Parliamentary Drama

In an unprecedented political drama that shook the foundations of post-war German democracy, **Friedrich Merz**, leader of the center-right **Christian Democratic Union (CDU)**, was elected as Germany’s new Chancellor in a second-round parliamentary vote—just hours after being defeated in the first round. This historic reversal marks the first time since the founding of the Federal Republic of Germany in 1949 that a Chancellor has been elected following an initial failure to secure a majority in the Bundestag.

The dramatic turn of events unfolded on March 20, 2025, and sent shockwaves through both domestic politics and international diplomatic circles. The election capped weeks of political uncertainty following the collapse of the previous coalition government led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), and reflected deepening divisions within Germany’s traditionally stable political landscape.

A Government in Crisis: The Fall of the Scholz Cabinet

The road to this historic moment began in late January 2025, when the governing "traffic light" coalition—comprising the SPD, the Greens, and the Free Democratic Party (FDP)—collapsed amid irreconcilable differences over budgetary policy, energy strategy, and defense spending.

The final straw came when Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) refused to support a proposed €100 billion supplementary budget aimed at stabilizing Germany’s struggling economy. Citing concerns about rising public debt and inflationary pressures, Lindner pulled the FDP out of the coalition, triggering a vote of no confidence in Scholz and ultimately leading to his resignation as Chancellor.

Under Article 67 of the Basic Law (Germany's constitution), the President is empowered to dissolve parliament and call for early elections if a new Chancellor cannot be elected within 21 days. However, with the next scheduled federal elections not due until 2025, all parties sought to avoid snap elections—a move that could have further destabilized the country during a period of economic stagnation and geopolitical uncertainty.

This set the stage for a rare constructive vote of no confidence, where lawmakers were tasked with selecting a successor who could command a majority in the Bundestag.

First Round Defeat: A Shocking Rejection

On March 20, 2025, the Bundestag convened for the first round of voting. As leader of the largest opposition party, Friedrich Merz entered the proceedings as the frontrunner to become Chancellor. His CDU had performed strongly in recent state elections, capitalizing on voter frustration over high energy costs, bureaucratic delays in infrastructure projects, and perceived mismanagement of immigration policies.

However, in a stunning development, Merz failed to secure a majority. With 311 votes in favor, 332 against, and 18 abstentions, he fell short of the 369 needed to win outright. Several members of his own coalition partners—the Bavarian CSU—and even some CDU MPs either abstained or voted against him, citing concerns over his hardline stance on immigration, skepticism toward EU integration, and controversial past remarks on social issues.

The result was a constitutional anomaly rarely seen in Germany’s consensus-driven political culture. It underscored the deep fragmentation of the Bundestag, where seven parties now hold seats, including the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the left-wing Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW).

 Second Round Victory: A Narrow Path Forward

According to the Basic Law, if no candidate secures a majority in the first round, a second vote can be held within two weeks. In the second round, a simple majority suffices—a rule that allowed Merz to regroup and negotiate behind the scenes.

Over the next 48 hours, intense negotiations took place between the CDU/CSU, the FDP, and parts of the Greens, who were reluctant to return to power under Scholz but also wary of enabling a right-leaning government. Meanwhile, Merz softened some of his rhetoric, particularly on European policy, and reportedly reached informal understandings with centrist factions on key issues such as climate policy, digital transformation, and NATO commitments.

In the second vote on March 20, Merz secured exactly 369 votes—just enough to eke out a majority—with several abstentions from the AfD and BSW ensuring that no alternative candidate could gain traction.

His victory marked a turning point in modern German politics, ending 16 years of uninterrupted CDU-led governments under Angela Merkel and her successors, and ushering in a new era defined by shifting alliances and ideological realignments.

Who is Friedrich Merz?

Friedrich Merz, 69, is a veteran politician and lawyer who has long been associated with the more economically liberal wing of the CDU. Once a rival to Angela Merkel during her rise to leadership, Merz spent years in political exile before returning to prominence in 2022 as chairman of the CDU parliamentary group.

A staunch advocate of free-market economics, Merz has called for deregulation, tax cuts, and a rollback of what he describes as “climate zealotry.” He has also taken a firm stance on law and order, advocating for stricter border controls and faster deportations of undocumented migrants.

At the same time, Merz has sought to position himself as a pragmatic centrist, emphasizing continuity in foreign policy and reassuring allies that Germany will remain committed to its transatlantic obligations and European integration.

Challenges Ahead: Governing Without a Clear Majority

Merz’s ascension to the Chancellery comes with formidable challenges. Unlike traditional coalitions formed before elections, his government will be based on a loose parliamentary alliance rather than a formal pact. This raises concerns about legislative gridlock and policy instability.

Key challenges include:

1. **Economic Stagnation**

Germany, once Europe’s economic powerhouse, has struggled with slow growth, aging demographics, and declining industrial competitiveness. Merz has promised to boost private investment and streamline bureaucracy, but implementing reforms without a clear mandate may prove difficult.

2. **Energy Transition**

The phase-out of nuclear and coal power, combined with supply chain disruptions and high energy prices, has placed pressure on Germany’s green transition. Merz has signaled openness to extending the life of gas-fired plants and revisiting certain renewable mandates, which could clash with environmental groups and Green-aligned civil society.

3. **Security and Defense**

With ongoing tensions in Ukraine and rising threats from China and Russia, Germany faces urgent calls to increase defense spending and strengthen NATO ties. Merz has pledged to meet the 2% GDP target for defense and expand military capabilities, though financing these commitments remains unclear.

4. **Social Cohesion**

Rising inequality, housing shortages in major cities, and growing discontent among rural populations have fueled populist movements. Merz must navigate these tensions while maintaining unity within his fragile coalition.

 5. **European Leadership**

Germany’s role as a stabilizer within the EU has been questioned in recent years. Merz has emphasized the importance of fiscal discipline and institutional reform within the bloc, but his skepticism of deeper integration may put him at odds with France and southern European partners.

International Reactions and Diplomatic Implications

Merz’s election was met with cautious optimism from many global leaders. U.S. President Donald Trump praised the outcome as a sign of “economic realism,” while French President Emmanuel Macron extended congratulations and expressed hope for continued Franco-German cooperation.

Russia and China, meanwhile, welcomed the change in tone, interpreting Merz’s more business-friendly approach and skepticism toward sanctions as potentially favorable for bilateral relations.

The European Commission urged stability and reaffirmed its commitment to working with Berlin on shared priorities, though concerns remain about Merz’s stance on EU fiscal rules and migration policy.

A New Chapter in German Politics

Friedrich Merz’s election as Chancellor represents more than just a shift in leadership—it signals a broader transformation in Germany’s political landscape. The collapse of the traditional center-left and center-right coalitions, the rise of populist and single-issue parties, and the increasing influence of public opinion on parliamentary decisions are reshaping how governance is conducted in Berlin.

While Merz’s path to power was unconventional, his ability to survive the first vote and prevail in the second speaks to his resilience and strategic acumen. Whether he can translate this into effective governance remains to be seen.

As Germany enters this uncharted territory, one thing is clear: the era of stable, predictable coalition politics is over. What lies ahead is a more fragmented, volatile, and dynamic political environment—one that will test the resilience of Germany’s democratic institutions like never before.

Conclusion: A Test of Democracy and Governance

Friedrich Merz’s historic election as Chancellor after a first-round defeat is a landmark moment in post-WWII German history. It reflects both the fragility and adaptability of Germany’s political system in the face of mounting domestic and international challenges.

As Merz takes the reins, his success—or failure—will not only determine the direction of Germany but also shape the future of the European Union and the West more broadly. In a world increasingly defined by polarization and uncertainty, Germany’s ability to govern effectively under this new paradigm will serve as a crucial test case for democracies around the globe.