The leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Merz, failed to secure a majority of votes in the first round of the chancellor elections. In a secret ballot, he received six votes less than required. This case has already been called unique, as there have been no similar cases in the history of the Federal Republic of Germany.
This was reported by Tagesschau.de.
CDU leader Friedrich Merz failed to win the first round of the chancellor election in the Bundestag. In a secret ballot, he received 310 votes in favor, six fewer than the required majority of 316 votes. The CDU/CSU and SPD coalition factions together hold 328 seats in parliament.
“Friedrich Merz did not obtain the required majority of 316 votes. In accordance with Article 63, paragraph 2 of the Basic Law, he is not elected Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany,” said Bundestag Speaker Julia Klöckner.
According to Tagesschau.de, this is a unique case in the history of the Federal Republic of Germany. Never before, after Bundestag elections and successful coalition negotiations, has a designated chancellor failed in the Bundestag elections.
The factions are now discussing how to proceed. Merz and SPD co-chair Lars Klingbeil emphasized that they firmly expect a clear majority of the future government factions in the chancellor election. At special faction meetings on Tuesday morning, both the CDU/CSU and the SPD confirmed that all members were present.
According to the rules for electing the chancellor, if the proposed candidate is not elected, the Bundestag can elect a federal chancellor by a majority vote of its members within 14 days of the vote.
A second round of elections may therefore be held within two weeks. If there is still no majority for a candidate for the office of chancellor, a majority of the votes cast by the members present is sufficient in the third round of elections.