The leader of the Christian Democratic Union of Germany (CDU), Friedrich Merz, was defeated in the first round of voting, receiving 310 votes instead of the required 316. A repeat vote will take place within 14 days, tagesschau.de reported on Tuesday.
“CDU leader Friedrich Merz lost the first round of voting in the Bundestag chancellor election. In a secret ballot, he received 310 votes in favor, six less than the required majority of 316 votes. The CDU/CSU and SPD coalition parties together have 328 seats in parliament,” the report said.
According to the publication, this is an ‘unprecedented event’ in the history of the Federal Republic of Germany. Never before has a designated chancellor been elected by the Bundestag after federal elections and successful coalition negotiations.
It is noted that the German Constitution regulates such a case. Article 63, which contains the rules for electing the chancellor, states: “If no candidate is elected, the Bundestag may elect the federal chancellor by a majority of its members within 14 days after the vote.”
A second vote may be held within two weeks, possibly with a different candidate. If the chancellor still does not receive a majority of votes, a third vote may be held by a majority of the members present.
