Friedrich Merz's bid to become Germany's 10th chancellor fails first ballot

"Friedrich Merz's bid to become Germany's 10th chancellor since World War II fell short in the first round, a historic deviation from post-war norms."

"The voting outcome was unexpected for many, as it marked the first time since the end of WWII a chancellor candidate has failed to win on the first ballot."

Friedrich Merz, the Conservative leader, aimed to become Germany's 10th chancellor post-Second World War but unexpectedly lost the first parliamentary voting round by a margin of six votes. This loss is significant as it marks the first time in history that a candidate for chancellor has not achieved victory on the first ballot since WWII, a precedent that highlights the unusual political dynamics currently at play within Germany.

Read at Irish Independent