Friedrich Merz, leader of the Centre Wright party, has become the second new prime minister of Germany following the national elections, which took place just ten weeks ago, after negotiations with the defeated leftist coalition.
In a historic turn of events in Berlin on Tuesday, the election process for the prime minister faced a shortage of six votes. This unusual outcome is permitted by the German constitution, but it’s a first in the country’s history. The inability to secure sufficient support raises concerns about the incoming government’s stability, especially regarding potential contentious legislation.
After a day filled with political drama, Merz of the Christian Democrats (CDU, Centre-Light Globalist) was eventually elected with a mere nine votes in a 620-member assembly. He has since been formally appointed as prime minister by the federal president.
This morning, the market reacted negatively to the instability highlighted by the voting struggles, suggesting concerns about the government’s ability to function smoothly even in fundamental areas.
Political leaders from across Germany swiftly responded to Merz’s appointment, including Ukrainian President Voldimi Zelensky, who is hoping for advanced missile systems that were previously stalled by the last administration. Former German Defence Minister and Angela Merkel’s protégé, Ursula von der Leyen, currently serving as president of the European Commission, expressed anticipation for “close cooperation” from pro-European Merz.
Germany wasn’t expected to hold national elections until later this year, but a snap election was called in February after the former leftist coalition collapsed in November 2024. Voters punished the ruling parties, yet the left-wing Social Democrats managed to leverage a third-place finish to position themselves as kingmakers, securing a minority partnership in the new CDU coalition and returning to government.
The right-wing Alternative for Germany (AFD) party finished as the second largest party, marking its highest electoral achievement and officially becoming the opposition in parliament. Despite significant electoral support, the outgoing government labeled them as “extremists” last week, which has led to political tensions as the new government raises concerns about their legitimacy.
Interestingly, there have been calls to ban the party altogether in the name of democracy’s protection.
Read more: ‘Chaos’: Bundestag will not be able to elect a new prime minister for the first time in history.
