Conservative leader Friedrich Merz has been confirmed as the next chancellor of Germany after winning a parliamentary vote on Tuesday (May 6) in his second attempt. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has formally appointed Merz, officially marking the start of the conservative leader’s time in office.

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Initially, Merz had failed to secure the majority needed in the Bundestag after falling short of six votes, which proved to be a significant blow.

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Merz received 325 votes in favour, more than 316 required in the 630-seat chamber after an unexpected setback at first. In the first round of voting, he only gained 310 votes despite leading a coalition with a parliamentary majority. His initial failure was described as unprecedented in modern German politics, with no candidate having failed in such a way since 1949.

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These turn of events come just two and a half months after Merz’s Christian Democrats won the federal election.

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World leaders congratulate

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was among the first to congratulate the German leader on his win.

“I sincerely congratulate Friedrich Merz on his election as Germany’s new Federal Chancellor. Ukraine is deeply grateful for the support of Germany and its people. Your helping hand has saved thousands and thousands of Ukrainian lives,” he wrote on X.

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“We sincerely hope that Germany will grow even stronger and that we’ll see more German leadership in European and transatlantic affairs. This is especially important with the future of Europe at stake — and it will depend on our unity,” he added.

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen also welcomed the election of Friedrich Merz as German chancellor.

“With you, a proven friend and expert on Europe is moving into the Chancellery. We will work together for a strong and more competitive Europe,” former German defence minister von der Leyen wrote on X.

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