Friedrich Merz Elected German Chancellor After Contentious Vote

The election of Friedrich Merz as the new German Chancellor on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, was met with a mixture of cautious optimism and deep concern, both domestically and internationally. The veteran conservative politician, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), secured the chancellorship after a nail-biting second round of voting in the Bundestag, a stark indication of the challenges that lie ahead for him and the country.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen offered congratulations to Merz, acknowledging him as a "European expert." She expressed her hope for a strong and competitive Europe, stating on X, formerly Twitter, that they would work together. President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, echoed this sentiment, expressing eagerness to collaborate on an ambitious shared European agenda.

However, the road to Merz’s chancellorship was far from smooth. The fact that it required two rounds of voting to elect him Chancellor is unprecedented in post-war German history. This reflects deep divisions within the German political landscape and hints at the difficulties Merz will face in building consensus and governing effectively.

Despite the anticipation that followed a coalition agreement with the Social Democrats (SPD), led by the outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Merz failed to secure the necessary votes in the first ballot. This unexpected setback sent shockwaves through the German political establishment. After finally succeeding with 325 votes out of 630 deputies in the second round, the 69-year-old Merz finds himself at the helm of Europe’s largest economy, but with a significantly weakened mandate.

The outcome exposed the fragility of Merz’s leadership and the inherent instability of the coalition he now leads. The political climate is further complicated by a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, pressure from a potentially isolationist Trump administration in the United States, and the rise of right-wing extremism within Germany.

Merz’s rocky start casts a shadow over his promises to revitalize the German economy, which has been struggling in recent years. It also raises questions about his ability to provide the stability that Germany desperately needs after the political turmoil that led to the fall of Scholz’s government in November.

Adding to his challenges, Merz’s popularity remains low, and he faces criticism within his own party for backtracking on a key campaign promise. To finance a large-scale military rearmament program in response to perceived Russian aggression and the potential for reduced American military presence in Europe, he has relaxed Germany’s historically strict budget rules. This decision, while seen by some as necessary to modernize the country and bolster its security, has alienated parts of his conservative base.

Experts are wary about the impact of this turbulent election. Claire Demesmay, a professor at Sciences Po Paris and researcher at the Centre Marc Bloch in Berlin, described Merz’s election as a "slap in the face." She warned that it will inevitably affect his initial period as Chancellor and his future governance. She also highlighted the potential negative implications for Germany’s international standing, particularly as Merz is scheduled to visit Paris and Warsaw soon.

The political landscape is further complicated by several key factors. The SPD, despite being part of the coalition, may prove to be a difficult partner, especially given the internal divisions within the party and the desire to maintain its distinct identity. The Greens, who performed well in recent elections, will continue to exert pressure on the government to address climate change and other environmental issues. Furthermore, the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) poses a significant threat to the established political order, further complicating the task of building consensus and maintaining stability.

Merz’s success as Chancellor will depend on his ability to navigate these challenges skillfully. He will need to forge strong working relationships with his coalition partners, address the concerns of his own party members, and develop a clear vision for Germany’s future. He must also effectively communicate with the German public and build trust, which has been eroded by recent political turmoil.

On the international stage, Merz will need to reassure Germany’s allies and partners of his commitment to European unity and cooperation. He will also have to navigate the complex relationship with the United States, particularly if Donald Trump returns to the White House. Furthermore, he will be expected to play a leading role in addressing global challenges such as climate change, economic inequality, and international security.

The coming months will be crucial for Merz and his government. He will need to demonstrate decisive leadership, build consensus, and implement policies that address the pressing challenges facing Germany and Europe. If he can succeed, he may be able to secure his legacy as a transformative leader. If he fails, he risks plunging Germany into further political instability and undermining its position as a leading power in Europe. The world is watching to see what Friedrich Merz can achieve as German Chancellor. His success, or lack thereof, will have significant implications for Germany, Europe, and the wider world.