Friedrich Merz, the candidate from the conservative CDU/CSU bloc, did not secure enough votes to become Chancellor of Germany in the first round of voting.
According to DW, Merz received 310 votes from Bundestag deputies, falling short of the required 316 votes. In contrast, 307 deputies voted against his candidacy, with three abstentions.
As reported by Focus, the Bundestag now has 14 days to elect either Merz or another candidate as Chancellor. To be elected, a candidate must secure a majority of votes.
