Friedrich Merz Assumes Role as Germany’s Prime Minister
Friedrich Merz Elected as Germany’s New Prime Minister
In a historic vote held in the German Federal Parliament, Friedrich Merz has been elected as the country’s 10th Prime Minister since World War II. The assembly, chaired by Federal Parliament Speaker Julia Klöckner, facilitated a secret ballot in which 618 deputies participated.
Despite garnering the support of 310 deputies in the initial round, Merz fell short of the required 316 votes for outright election. In the second round, he faced 289 votes against his candidacy, while 1 deputy abstained and 3 votes were deemed invalid.
Notable supporters during the vote included Merz’s wife, Charlotte, and their two daughters, Constanze and Carola, who observed from the gallery. Former Chancellor Angela Merkel participated in the first round but did not attend the second.
Following his election, Merz is set to visit Bellevue Palace to receive his official appointment certificate from President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. He will then take the oath in front of the Federal Assembly, marking the official start of his premiership.
Merz’s ascent comes on the heels of a coalition agreement formed between the Christian Democratic Union (CDU/CSU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD). This coalition was finalized on April 9, 45 days after early elections conducted on February 23, in which the CDU/CSU and SPD secured a combined total of 328 seats in the parliament.
Now, alongside his new cabinet members, Merz will return to parliament to fulfill his duties after being sworn in. The new ministers will also receive their official appointment documents from President Steinmeier, marking a significant transition in Germany’s political landscape.
