Merz fails in the first ballot: What for the CDU SPD coalition?

Merz fails in the first ballot: What for the CDU SPD coalition?

In a historical and significant moment of German politics, Friedrich Merz, the Chancellor candidate of CDU/CSU, failed in the first ballot for the election of the new Chancellor. On May 6, 2025, during the meeting of the Bundestag, Merz received only 310 out of 621 votes, which removed him far from the necessary chancellor's majority of 316 votes. This election is the first time in the history of the Federal Republic that a candidate for chancellor in the first ballot failed, as mdr

The session was opened by Bundestag President Julia Klöckner, who informed the MPs about the expiry of the election. All 621 MPs present had the opportunity to give their votes in secret voting boards. The new government coalition of the CDU/CSU and SPD has 328 votes in parliament, which, despite the failed majority, indicates a possible strong cooperation. Nevertheless, 307 MPs voted against Merz, which shows that he met with broad resistance, as the Deutsche Welle reports .

a possible second ballot

According to Article 63 of the Basic Law, a second ballot can take place within 14 days if the proposed chancellor is not elected in the first ballot. In this case, it is necessary for Merz to reach the majority of 316 votes again. If this ballot also failed, a simple majority would be sufficient in the third ballot.

The political factions are now advising on how to proceed. Merz and the co-chair of the SPD, Lars Klingbeil, expect a clear majority of future government factions, so that they are optimistic about the future. There is further focus on the reforms and investments that both Merz and the CSU chairman Markus Söder consider necessary to cope with the challenges of the new government.

an outlook on the government

The SPD already presented its ministers for the cabinet on Monday, which will consist of four women and three men. During this political upheaval phase, Merz, Klingbeil and Söder emphasized the importance of cooperation and the responsibility that is on their shoulders in order to exist in an constantly changing international landscape, as ZDF reports.

With the possibility of choosing again within the next two weeks, it remains to be seen whether Friedrich Merz can mobilize the support in the Bundestag that he needs to take over the Chancellery. The coming days will be decisive for the future political landscape of Germany.