Merz elected chancellor after initial defeat

German conservative leader Friedrich Merz has been elected chancellor in a second parliamentary vote, after his new alliance with the centre-left Social Democrats suffered a surprise defeat in the first round

GRAND COALITION – 328 seats

Bundestag 630 seats
Alternative for Germany (AfD)
Christian Democratic Union / Christian Social Union (CDU / CSU)
Social Democratic Party (SPD)
Alliance 90 / Greens
Left Party (Die Linke)
SSW*
*South Schleswig Voters’ Association

Friedrich Merz
Chancellor

Lars Klingbeil
Finance / Vice-chancellor

Katherina Reiche
Economy

Boris Pistorius
Defence

Johann Wadephul
Foreign Affairs

Alexander Dobrindt
Interior

Bärbel Bas
Labour and Social Affairs

CDU
SPD
CDU
SPD
CDU
CSU
SPD

120
208
152
85
64
1seat

Justice
Agriculture
Education
Health
Transport
Environment
Research
Housing

SPD
CSU
CDU
CDU
CDU
SPD
CSU
SPD

Sources: Bundestag, Bloomberg, DW, Politico
Pictures: Getty Images
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