(de-news.net) – Friedrich Merz’s bid for the office of chancellor failed in the first round of voting on Tuesday. No second vote will take place today, as a second round requires adherence to a summoning period for Bundestag members. Such a period can be shortened by parliamentary groups, allowing a possible vote as early as Wednesday.

The failure of Merz to secure a majority in the first round, the so-called ‘chancellor majority,’ was unexpected. No designated chancellor had ever failed in the Bundestag following successful coalition negotiations. The planned CDU/CSU and SPD coalition holds 328 seats, with 316 required for Merz to secure a majority. However, the CDU leader received only 310 votes in favor, with 307 against, three abstentions, one invalid vote, and nine members abstaining from voting.

The Bundestag has up to fourteen days to elect a chancellor by an absolute majority. If no election occurs within this period, a new round of voting must take place under constitutional law, after which the candidate with the most votes assumes office.

Merz was scheduled to take the oath of office at midday, followed by the appointment and swearing-in of designated ministers. The handover of the chancellery and ministries was planned for the afternoon. Instead, the caretaker government will remain in office for the time being.