Merz elected German chancellor after initial shock defeat

In Germany, Friedrich Merz officially became the country's chancellor on May 6 after securing a majority in a second parliamentary vote, following an unprecedented defeat in the first one.

In the initial round, Merz fell short by six votes, marking the first such occurrence in postwar German history.

In the second round of votes, Merz secured 325 out of 630 ballots, enabling him to lead a coalition government of his center-right Christian Democratic Union and the Christian Social Union alliance, and the center-left Social Democratic Party.

Merz, who won an election in February, was then finally approved as chancellor by the Bundestag president.