Bundestag fails to elect Merz, Scholz to serve until new chancellor is chosen

The election process in the Bundestag was broadcast online.

Merz's candidacy received 310 votes, falling short of the required 316. There were 307 no votes, 3 abstentions, and one invalid vote.

The voting took place at 9:00 a.m. local time, and it was done in secret.

The coalition in the Bundestag, which includes the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), the Christian Social Union (CSU), and the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD), holds 328 votes.

After the failed vote, the Bundestag session was adjourned, and MPs will decide when the second round of voting will take place.

Scholz to continue in office until a successor is elected

According to Spiegel, Article 69 of the Basic Law stipulates that the chancellor continues to perform his official duties “until his successor is appointed.” Therefore, Scholz received an unplanned extension of his powers.

Ministers of the federal government will also remain in office as acting chancellors.

“Responsibility for Germany” coalition agreement approves new government structure

On May 5, the leaders of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Christian Social Union (CSU), as well as the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD), officially signed the coalition agreement. The 144-page document, titled "Responsibility for Germany," outlines the format of the new government. After signing the agreement, Merz stated that the parties would "get to work from day one."

"The coalition agreement we are signing today clearly demonstrates our commitment to work seriously, focused, and with an understanding of the issues," he said.

Germany’s coalition parties reveal candidates for new government

On Monday, the SPD, the last coalition member, presented its candidates for the new government. The party nominated co-leader Lars Klingbeil for the positions of Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister and proposed that Boris Pistorius remain as Defense Minister.

The CDU and CSU had announced their government candidates the previous week. CDU representative Johann Wadephul is expected to head the Foreign Ministry, while CSU member Alexander Dobrindt is set to lead the Interior Ministry.