Friedrich Merz Elected as Germany's Chancellor After Initial Setback
The CDU leader successfully secures chancellorship in a subsequent vote as his cabinet is sworn in.
Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has been elected as Germany's new Chancellor following a two-round voting process in the Bundestag.
In an unexpected turn, Merz failed to secure the required absolute majority in the initial round on Tuesday but succeeded in the second round, marking a significant milestone in his political career.
Upon his election, Merz was formally appointed as Chancellor, and he immediately oversaw the inauguration of his new cabinet.
The parliamentary session concluded with Bundestagspräsidentin Julia Klöckner congratulating the incoming ministers, thus marking the completion of the government formation.
At 19:11 CET, the cabinet was officially sworn in.
Most ministers opted to affirm their oath with the phrase, "so wahr mir Gott helfe" (so help me God), although a few, including Boris Pistorius and Reem Alabali-Radovan, chose to forego this expression.
The ceremonial oath was initiated by Lars Klingbeil, following a roll call of the new ministers led by Klöckner at 19:01 CET.
Members of the government slowly filled the parliamentary benches, with the atmosphere reflecting a mix of formality and camaraderie as colleagues exchanged congratulations.
Earlier in the day, Merz attended a reception at Schloss Bellevue before returning to the Bundestag for the swearing-in ceremony.
In the context of his new position, former CDU chancellor candidate Armin Laschet expressed no resentment towards the new Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, despite having shown interest in the same role.
Laschet highlighted the importance of nurturing relationships with the Weimar Triangle partners, specifically France and Poland.
French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed optimism regarding Merz's leadership, seeing potential for renewed momentum within the European Union.
Macron emphasized the need to reinvigorate the Franco-German alliance, focusing on the EU's agenda for sovereignty, security, and competitiveness.
Meloni underscored the significance of cooperation between Germany and Italy in addressing international challenges, particularly in the automotive industry and in establishing equitable partnerships with Africa.
In response to the new government's formation, the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB), along with nearly 300 organizations, called for an end to the exclusion of refugees and migrants.
The DGB raised concerns about the heightened atmosphere against these groups, which they noted was reflected in the coalition agreement.
In an unexpected turn, Merz failed to secure the required absolute majority in the initial round on Tuesday but succeeded in the second round, marking a significant milestone in his political career.
Upon his election, Merz was formally appointed as Chancellor, and he immediately oversaw the inauguration of his new cabinet.
The parliamentary session concluded with Bundestagspräsidentin Julia Klöckner congratulating the incoming ministers, thus marking the completion of the government formation.
At 19:11 CET, the cabinet was officially sworn in.
Most ministers opted to affirm their oath with the phrase, "so wahr mir Gott helfe" (so help me God), although a few, including Boris Pistorius and Reem Alabali-Radovan, chose to forego this expression.
The ceremonial oath was initiated by Lars Klingbeil, following a roll call of the new ministers led by Klöckner at 19:01 CET.
Members of the government slowly filled the parliamentary benches, with the atmosphere reflecting a mix of formality and camaraderie as colleagues exchanged congratulations.
Earlier in the day, Merz attended a reception at Schloss Bellevue before returning to the Bundestag for the swearing-in ceremony.
In the context of his new position, former CDU chancellor candidate Armin Laschet expressed no resentment towards the new Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, despite having shown interest in the same role.
Laschet highlighted the importance of nurturing relationships with the Weimar Triangle partners, specifically France and Poland.
French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed optimism regarding Merz's leadership, seeing potential for renewed momentum within the European Union.
Macron emphasized the need to reinvigorate the Franco-German alliance, focusing on the EU's agenda for sovereignty, security, and competitiveness.
Meloni underscored the significance of cooperation between Germany and Italy in addressing international challenges, particularly in the automotive industry and in establishing equitable partnerships with Africa.
In response to the new government's formation, the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB), along with nearly 300 organizations, called for an end to the exclusion of refugees and migrants.
The DGB raised concerns about the heightened atmosphere against these groups, which they noted was reflected in the coalition agreement.
Translation:
Translated by AI
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