German conservative candidate fails to become chancellor for the first time in over 75 years

The result came as a major upset, as Merz was widely expected to win, thanks to a coalition deal involving his party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU); its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU); and the Social Democratic Party (SPD).

Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democratic Union reacts after the announcement of the result as he fails to be elected chancellor by the German Parliament, during the session of the German Lower House of Parliament Bundestag, to elect the new German chancellor, in Berlin on May 6, 2025. (REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch)

To secure the position of chancellor, Merz would have needed to win 316 out of 630 in the Bundestag. The coalition of CSU/CDU and SPD has 328 seats, more than enough to secure a majority victory. However, Merz received 310 votes, while 307 members voted against him and nine others abstained.

Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democratic Union reacts as he listens to the announcement of the result during the session of the German Lower House of Parliament Bundestag, to elect the new German chancellor, in Berlin on May 6, 2025. (REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch)

Despite his unexpected loss, Merz is not out of luck. The Bundestag now has 14 days to elect the next chancellor, and Merz still has a chance of winning the position. Germany’s socialist Left Party, however, is pushing to hold another round of chancellor elections as soon as Wednesday, according to Germany-based news outlet DW.

Merz had already lined up victory trips to France and Poland on Wednesday, Reuters reported, though it is unclear whether he will proceed with the visits as planned following the defeat.