Friedrich Merz becomes German chancellor after second vote

PanARMENIAN.Net - Germany's Bundestag has approved Friedrich Merz as federal chancellor on the second attempt. According to Deutsche Welle, he secured 325 votes, surpassing the 316 required for election.

During the first vote earlier on the same day, Merz received only 310 votes, an unexpected outcome that led to a recess in the session. Later, Lars Klingbeil, leader of the Social Democratic Party of Germany, announced that all parties except the Alternative for Germany had agreed to hold a second vote the same day.

The right-wing populist Alternative for Germany party, which has become the largest opposition force in the new Bundestag, welcomed the result of the first vote. Representatives of the Left and the Greens also expressed doubts about Merz being a suitable candidate.

The day before the vote, the CDU/CSU bloc led by Merz and the SPD signed a coalition agreement described as a compromise. The agreement outlines plans to tighten immigration policy, increase defense spending, and continue support for Ukraine.