CDU leader Friedrich Merz failed to secure enough votes to become Germany’s new prime minister in the first round of Bundestag voting, marking a first in the country’s political history. Merz received 310 votes—6 short of the required 316—in the 621-member session.
Despite the CDU/CSU and SPD coalition holding 328 seats, the result highlighted internal dissent. The second round of voting has been postponed. The early general elections were held on February 23.
