(de-news.net) – Following a second round of voting, Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has been elected Chancellor of Germany. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier formally appointed him as the successor to Olaf Scholz, after which Merz took the oath of office before the Bundestag. In the initial vote, Merz had fallen short of an absolute majority by six votes.

In accordance with constitutional provisions, Chancellor Merz pledged to dedicate his efforts to the welfare of the German people, uphold the Basic Law and federal statutes, and administer his duties conscientiously, incorporating the optional religious phrase, “So help me God.” Concurrently, the parliamentary session was briefly suspended to allow for the formal appointment of cabinet ministers, who were subsequently sworn in.

Despite delays in the chancellor’s election, the inaugural meeting of the newly formed federal government was rescheduled for 22:00. In the final vote, Merz secured 325 affirmative votes, surpassing the required majority threshold of 316.

International leaders swiftly extended their congratulations. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen commended Merz’s expertise in European affairs, while European Council President António Costa expressed anticipation for collaboration on an ambitious EU agenda. French President Emmanuel Macron, in affirming Franco-German cooperation, scheduled an immediate meeting in Paris to reinforce bilateral collaboration.