Friedrich Merz Elected German Chancellor After Coalition Deal

Germany’s parliament elected conservative leader Friedrich Merz as chancellor on Tuesday, following a second-round vote after an initial surprise setback, Anadolu Agency reported. The 69-year-old Christian Democrat (CDU/CSU) secured 325 votes in the 630-seat Bundestag, surpassing the required 316-vote absolute majority with support from coalition partner Social Democrats (SPD).

His election makes him Germany’s 10th postwar chancellor, succeeding Olaf Scholz after February’s snap elections.

The CDU/CSU, which won 28.5% in the February poll, will lead key ministries including foreign affairs and economy under the coalition deal, while the SPD (16.4%) controls finance, defense, and labor portfolios. The alliance aims to stabilize a fragmented political landscape amid economic challenges.

Merz, a pro-business figure, pledged to strengthen European unity and address energy security. His victory consolidates a center-right shift but hinges on maintaining fragile SPD support.