German Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party leader Friedrich Merz was defeated in the first round of voting, receiving 310 votes instead of the required 316, a repeat vote will be held within 14 days, tagesschau.de reported on Tuesday.
“CDU leader Friedrich Merz has lost the first round of voting in the Bundestag chancellor election. In the secret ballot he received 310 votes” in favour “, six short of the required majority of 316 votes. Coalition parties CDU / CSU and SPD together have 328 seats in Parliament,” – stated in the report.
According to the publication, this is an “unprecedented event” in the history of the Federal Republic of Germany. Never before has an appointed chancellor been elected by the Bundestag after federal elections and successful coalition negotiations.
It is noted that the constitution of the Federal Republic of Germany regulates such a case. Article 63, which contains the rules for the election of the chancellor, states, “If a candidate is not elected, the Bundestag may elect a federal chancellor by more than half of the votes of its members within 14 days of the vote.”
A second vote can be organised within two weeks-possibly with a different candidate. If the chancellor still does not receive a majority, a third vote can be organised by a majority vote of the deputies present.