Friedrich Merz suffered an embarrassing setback in the Bundestag, failing to secure enough votes in the first round of chancellor elections—A FIRST IN German HISTORY !!!

Despite his coalition holding an absolute majority (50% + 1), the secret ballot required by the German constitution revealed dissent within his own ranks, as some members refused to back him. The vote exposes cracks in Merz’s leadership and raises questions about his ability to unify his coalition.

Under German law, a second vote will be held in 14 days. If he again fails to secure an absolute majority, the President may dissolve Parliament, triggering new elections—a scenario his allies will likely avoid at all costs. 

Given the AfD’s rising popularity, Merz’s coalition partners will likely pressure dissenters to fall in line, fearing another election could strengthen the AfD’s position. The coming days will test Merz’s political survival skills as he scrambles to secure the necessary support.