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Merz wins in vote that reveals the challenges ahead for Germany

Friedrich Merz won a parliamentary vote on May 6, 2025, to become Germany's new chancellor after a surprising first-round failure in Berlin's Bundestag.
Merz's victory follows months of political turmoil marked by economic stagnation and coalition instability that caused the previous government to collapse.
He pledged faster economic reforms, including infrastructure investments and reducing bureaucracy, aiming to restore growth after negative GDP in 2023.
Merz secured an absolute majority in the second vote despite 289 opposing votes and acknowledged the government will face challenges achieving its agenda.
The outcome highlights doubts about coalition cohesion and raises questions about Germany’s political stability during a critical economic recovery phase.

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CNBC

Center

Germany finally has a leader. Now comes the hard part for Friedrich Merz

Friedrich Merz is Germany's chancellor, but after a rocky start to his term, more challenges are ahead.

1 day ago·United States

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The Christian Science Monitor

Center

Merz wins in vote that reveals the challenges ahead for Germany

New Chancellor faces economic stall as the U.S. questions security alliance and stirs a trade war.

1 day ago·Boston, United States

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BBC News

Center

Germany chancellor Friedrich Merz's messy path to power raises questions

Merz had been working to project strength and purpose but instead became mired in political intrigue and division.

2 days ago·United Kingdom

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The Citizen

Lean Right

Merz wins narrow chancellorship in Germany’s dramatic vote

Friedrich Merz has inherited a fragile alliance and a nation bracing for economic and geopolitical upheaval.

2 days ago·South Africa

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Neue Zürcher Zeitung

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In the second ballot to the chancellor: The bumpy start of Friedrich Merz

Merz is the new head of German government, but the turbulent election shows once again that the government is facing enormous challenges.

2 days ago·Zürich, Switzerland

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Tichys Einblick

Friedrich Merz: Chancellor of the Left, Chancellor of Desperation

Friedrich Merz is a Federal Chancellor. A political summit victory after years in the wilderness into which Angela Merkel once banished him – but with many voters there is no euphoria but concern. In a country that is slumping economically, with exploding debts, crumbling infrastructure and a dramatic loss of confidence in political institutions, Merz faces a historic test of probation. Internal security is fragile, social security systems are s…

1 day ago

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