Friedrich Merz fails to secure chancellorship in historic Bundestag vote

Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU), failed to secure the necessary majority to become chancellor in a historic first-round Bundestag vote, falling six votes short of the required 316. This marks the first time in post-war German history that a chancellor-designate has not succeeded in the initial parliamentary ballot. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party responded to the defeat by demanding Merz's resignation and calling for new elections. There will be no second round of voting on the same day, confirming Merz will not become chancellor immediately. The outcome highlights divisions within the coalition and signals a fragile political position for Merz, who faces criticism from both inside and outside his party. Merz, a veteran politician known for his conservative stance, had sought to shift the CDU away from Angela Merkel's centrist approach.