Chancellor election | Merz fails in the first round

CDU leader Friedrich Merz failed in the first round of the Bundestag's chancellor election. He received 310 of 621 votes cast in a secret ballot, six short of the required majority of 316. The CDU/CSU and SPD coalition factions together hold 328 seats in parliament.

It is a first: never before has a designated chancellor failed in the Bundestag election after a federal election and successful coalition negotiations.

Basic Law gives a deadline of two weeks

The Basic Law also regulates this case. Article 63, which contains the rules for the election of the Chancellor, states: "If the nominee is not elected, the Bundestag may elect a Federal Chancellor within 14 days of the ballot by more than half of its members."

Should Merz feel he might be more successful in a second round of voting than in the first, he can run again at any time. Within the two-week period, there can be any number of rounds of voting with different candidates. However, they also need an absolute majority of at least 316 votes to be elected.

Later simple instead of absolute majority

If no one succeeds, the requirements are lowered in the next step. Now, a simple majority is sufficient for the election. The Basic Law states: "If an election cannot be held within this period, a new ballot shall be held immediately, in which the person receiving the most votes shall be elected."

If the elected candidate receives a majority for the chancellorship, the Federal President must appoint him or her within seven days of the election. If the election is by only a simple majority, the Federal President can alternatively dissolve the Bundestag within seven days and call a new election. dpa