What challenges did voting for Merz reveal and could it affect support for Ukraine?
On 6 May, as expected, Germany got its tenth chancellor. But the process unfolded very differently than planned.
Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Friedrich Merz became the first post-war German chancellor to be elected not on the first try.
This reveals significant opposition to Chancellor Merz within the ruling coalition. This factor that could shape the government's ability to function moving forward.
At the same time, the confusion in the Bundestag turned into a gift for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), giving it grounds to push for snap elections.
Read more in the article by Ivanna Kostina, a European Pravda journalist: A chancellor on the second try: how Merz’s election became a political earthquake for Germany.
The failed first vote on the morning of 6 May came like a bolt from the blue.
At least 18 members of the CDU/CSU–SPD coalition refused to support Merz.
Eventually, Merz was elected in the second round with 325 votes – though three MPs still voted against him.
Immediately after the failed first vote, blame games began alongside attempts to find a solution.
The truth may never be known. But one thing is clear: the CDU leader does not enjoy unconditional support within the coalition.
Political opponents were quick to notice.
Left-wing politician Dietmar Bartsch posted on X after the first vote: "What a start! Shameful. Merz has achieved what no one before him has."
"This shows the weak foundation of the CDU/CSU–SPD mini-coalition, rejected by the citizens," wrote AfD co-leader Alice Weidel on X.
It is likely that Chancellor Merz will struggle to secure support for key policies and projects. Given existing disagreements between the CDU and SPD, for example, over delivering Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine. The new government’s Ukraine policy may not go smoothly either.
The conservatives and social democrats had hoped to show unity and competence, unlike their predecessors, in order to curb the rise of the far right.
But the opposite happened: Merz’s defeat in the first vote played into the hands of the far-right AfD, whose leaders were openly gleeful and even called for snap elections.
The far right reveled in the chaos and claimed they were ready to govern themselves.
Until recently, Germany was considered a pillar of political stability. The collapse of the previous coalition and the unprecedented failed chancellor vote show that those days are over.
This inevitably raises questions about the new government’s ability to maintain strong support for Ukraine. Although both coalition parties are openly pro-Ukrainian, their differences remain.
Still, there is hope that they can rebuild mutual trust, restore Germany’s position as a stabilising force in Europe, and remain a leading supporter of Ukraine.
If the government begins delivering on its proposed projects by autumn, Merz may yet recover from his rocky start.