“All of Europe, perhaps even the entire world, is watching,” CDU warns as Merz secures majority after initial setback

In a dramatic political turnaround, Friedrich Merz has been elected Chancellor of Germany after surviving what critics dubbed a “historic defeat” in the first round of voting. The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader clinched the top office during a tense second vote in the Bundestag on Tuesday, securing 325 votes — nine more than the required 316-vote majority.

The process, unprecedented in recent German political history, underscored the deep divisions and high-stakes maneuvering within the Bundestag. After falling short in the initial vote, Merz and his supporters engaged in frantic behind-the-scenes negotiations that ultimately turned the tide.

“All of Europe, perhaps even the entire world, is watching this second round of voting. I appeal to everyone to be aware of this special responsibility,” said CDU/CSU parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn in a direct appeal to lawmakers ahead of the decisive vote.

Merz’s path to power was not without strong opposition. A total of 289 MPs, predominantly from the Green and Left parties, voted against him. Bernd Baumann of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) faction labeled Merz’s initial loss a “historic defeat,” while Green Party veteran Renate Kuenast described it as a “massive loss of authority” for the incoming leader.

Despite the rocky start, Merz now heads a CDU-SPD coalition that has pledged continuity in several key areas of governance. The new government has committed to maintaining Germany’s support for Ukraine and increasing defense spending — policies that align with the previous administration led by Olaf Scholz.

The election follows the collapse of the former three-party ruling coalition in November, which unraveled due