Key Facts
Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), was elected as Germany’s new chancellor on May 6, 2025, following a second round of voting in the Bundestag. Despite leading Europe’s largest economy, Merz faced a challenging start as he failed to secure a majority in the initial vote, raising concerns about his political influence. In the second round, Merz garnered 325 votes out of 630, narrowly achieving the required majority. This marked the first time since World War II that a German chancellor candidate did not secure parliamentary support in the first round, causing significant political unease.
After his election, Merz was formally appointed by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and took the oath of office before the Bundestag president. He succeeded Olaf Scholz as chancellor and began his tenure with a symbolic transition of power. On May 7, Merz embarked on his first international trip as chancellor, meeting French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Warsaw.
Merz assumes leadership during a period of economic stagnation, with Germany experiencing two years of recession. The ongoing war in Ukraine and the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in the former East German regions further complicate the political landscape. These challenges have amplified doubts about Merz’s ability to effectively govern, especially after his initial voting setback.
Political communication expert Andrea Römmele from the Hertie School in Berlin described Merz’s start as “wobbly,” likening it to a boxer entering the ring with visible bruises. She noted that Merz appeared unsettled and predicted he would face internal struggles to maintain coalition support.
In March, Merz secured backing from the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Green Party to establish a €500 billion infrastructure investment fund. This initiative aims to address critical needs in Germany’s transportation network, including highways, railways, and bridges, potentially bolstering his administration’s standing.
Merz’s appointment fulfills a long-held ambition, following a political hiatus from 2009 to 2021 after clashing with former Chancellor Angela Merkel. He returned to politics, eventually becoming CDU leader in late 2021 after two failed attempts.
Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), officially assumed office as Germany’s chancellor on May 6, 2025, after securing 325 votes in a second round of Bundestag voting. This marked the first time since World War II that a chancellor candidate failed to achieve a majority in the initial vote, sparking political concerns. Merz was formally appointed by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and sworn in before the Bundestag president, succeeding Olaf Scholz.
On May 7, Merz began his international engagements, meeting French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Warsaw. His tenure begins amid significant challenges, including two years of economic recession, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in former East German regions.
In March, Merz gained support from the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Green Party to establish a €500 billion infrastructure investment fund aimed at improving Germany’s transportation network. This initiative is seen as a potential boost to his administration.
Merz’s appointment fulfills a long-standing ambition after a political hiatus from 2009 to 2021. He returned to politics, becoming CDU leader in late 2021 after two previous unsuccessful attempts.
