Friedrich Merz elected German chancellor on 2nd attempt after surprising 1st-ballot defeat

May 8, 2025 - 01:00
Friedrich Merz elected German chancellor on 2nd attempt after surprising 1st-ballot defeat
A balding man with glasses lifts both hands to 'high five' someone who is not in the picture frame.

Friedrich Merz succeeded Tuesday in his bid to become the next German chancellor during a second vote in parliament, hours after he suffered a historic defeat in the first round.