Friedrich Merz has officially become the new Chancellor of Germany after winning a second vote in parliament. His election ends months of political uncertainty and brings a new leader to Europe’s largest economy.
Merz, who leads the conservative CDU/CSU alliance, won the second round of voting on Tuesday with 325 votes. He needed at least 316 votes for a majority. In the first round, he had failed to reach that number, surprising many and showing tensions within his coalition.
A Tough Start for the New Chancellor
The initial vote showed that not everyone in the ruling parties fully supports Merz. His coalition includes his CDU/CSU alliance and the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD), the party of Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
After his win, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier formally appointed Merz as the country’s 10th post-war chancellor.
Merz, 69, said he accepts this big task with both humility and confidence. He promised to fix problems like the weak economy and high immigration. He also said that his coalition now gives Germany a stable government.
First Foreign Visits: Paris and Warsaw
Merz’s first trip as chancellor will be to France and Poland on Wednesday. These visits aim to rebuild strong ties with Germany’s European neighbors.
Europe is facing many challenges, including growing pressure from the United States. U.S. President Donald Trump, now in his second term, has changed many global relationships. European countries want to show unity in response.
Germany had been mostly quiet in international politics since Scholz’s government collapsed in November 2024. Now, Merz says he wants Germany to play a bigger role again.
Focus on Ukraine Peace Talks and European Unity
Speaking to German TV channel ZDF, Merz said he wants to work with France and the UK to help with Ukraine peace talks. He also said he will talk often with leaders in Paris and London.
He believes Europe must act together in times of crisis. He wants Germany to lead these efforts as a strong and reliable partner.
In an interview with NTV, Merz called himself a “very European” leader. He said he will focus on working closely with other countries in the European Union.
Response to U.S. Criticism
Recently, the U.S. criticized Germany for calling the far-right AfD a “right-wing extremist” group. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said this move was “tyranny in disguise.”
Merz replied on Tuesday by urging the U.S. to stay out of German politics. He did not name anyone but said he found some comments from the U.S. “absurd.”
He also said that Americans usually understand the difference between extremists and mainstream political parties. Merz has close ties to the U.S. and is known for supporting strong relations between the two countries.
Economic Plans and Migration Policy
Germany’s economy has slowed down in recent months. Merz has promised to turn things around. He plans to support businesses, reduce inflation, and create jobs.
He also wants to reduce irregular migration. This is one of his key goals to weaken support for the far-right AfD, which is growing in popularity.
On Tuesday, he said he will “do everything” to rebuild trust in the political center. He hopes that people will no longer feel the need to vote for extreme parties.
A Long Road to the Top
Friedrich Merz has wanted to lead Germany for many years. His dream was delayed for decades, mostly because of Chancellor Angela Merkel, who led Germany for 16 years.
Merz became the leader of the CDU party only after several failed tries. Now, after a shaky start in parliament, he has finally become chancellor.
Economist Holger Schmieding of Berenberg Bank said the initial failed vote shows that Merz may face challenges within his coalition. Still, Schmieding believes Merz can recover and lead with strength.
What’s Next for Germany?
Merz steps into office at a critical time. The economy is struggling, the war in Ukraine continues, and relations with the U.S. are tense.
But Germany now has a government again. This could bring more action and decisions on big issues that have been on hold for months.
The world will watch closely as Merz starts his leadership—both in Germany and across Europe.
