BERLIN - Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU), was sworn in as Chancellor on Tuesday during a session of the Bundestag, the country's lower house of parliament.
Merz secured 325 votes in the Bundestag, surpassing the required 316-seat majority. In the initial round of voting earlier in the day, he received 310 votes, becoming the first chancellor candidate since World War II to fail to win election in the first round.
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Following the unsuccessful first vote, Bundestag President Julia Kloeckner suspended the plenary session. Parliamentary groups of political parties then held several hours of negotiations before proceeding to a second round of voting.
After the final result, Merz was formally appointed by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier during a ceremony at Schloss Bellevue, the official residence of the Federal President.
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As federal chancellor, Merz will head a new coalition government formed by the Union bloc (CDU/CSU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD). The new cabinet members took their oaths of office at the end of the Bundestag session, and the government is expected to hold its first cabinet meeting on Tuesday evening.
On Monday, leaders of the CDU/CSU and the SPD signed a coalition agreement. Under the coalition pact finalized in April after weeks of negotiations, the parties pledged to enhance Germany's economic competitiveness, strengthen national defense, and tighten migration policies.
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Speaking at a press conference before the signing, Merz said the coalition aims to advance Germany with reforms and investments. Highlighting the capabilities of the new government, Merz vowed to implement reform from day one, build essential infrastructure, and make a strong contribution to Europe.
"I am very confident that starting tomorrow, we will succeed in governing our country with strength, planning, and trust," Merz said at the press conference.
