Germany's Merz Fails to Secure Chancellor Vote, Coalition Faces Crisis

Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany's conservative CDU/CSU bloc, failed to secure enough votes in the Bundestag to become chancellor despite a formal coalition agreement with the center-left SPD that should have provided a majority. Merz received only 310 votes, falling short of the 316 needed for an absolute majority, marking the first time in Germany's post-war history that a chancellor candidate has not succeeded in the first round. The vote was held by secret ballot, leaving uncertainty about where support fell short, with both CDU/CSU and SPD leadership insisting their parties upheld the coalition. The outcome has triggered political uncertainty, with consultations among parties underway and the possibility of further rounds of voting or new elections if a chancellor cannot be agreed upon. Political analysts warn the failed vote could undermine Germany's stability and have repercussions across Europe, as expectations were high for Germany to reaffirm its leadership role. The political turmoil has also had immediate effects on financial markets, reflecting broader concerns about instability.