Germany’s Merz secures chancellorship in second parliamentary vote after shock upset
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Germany’s Merz confirmed as chancellor after surviving historic defeat
- Friedrich Merz has been elected as the new chancellor of Germany after a second parliamentary vote.
- He secured an absolute majority on Tuesday with the support of the Social Democrat Party (SPD).
- This followed an initial failed attempt earlier in the day, where he fell short of the required votes to form a coalition.
- The unexpected first-round loss prompted immediate discussions and a swift second vote.
- Mr Merz's victory comes after the collapse of the previous SPD-led coalition and amid challenges including the war in Ukraine, economic struggles, and the rise of the far-right.