The result of the vote made a deep impression in Berlin and raises questions about the stability of the new coalition.
The new 'grand' coalition of CDU/CSU with SPD holds a slim majority in the Bundestag. About ten members were absent. During the vote, several abstained, and three even voted against. Because the voting is secret and anonymous, it is unknown whether those votes were from SPD members or Merz’s own party colleagues.
The failed vote shows, according to observers, that there is no stable majority for the planned Merz cabinet. In a brief statement, Merz admitted the result is disappointing, but he remains determined to continue. He said he will confer with the coalition party leaders.
The social democratic party leadership immediately stated that they continue to support the CDU candidate. The Greens also said that German politics cannot afford a crisis given the international tensions. The far-right AfD mockingly reacted to the public humiliation of Merz, called on him to resign, and said new elections must be held.
According to the Basic Law, a second vote must be held within two weeks; other candidates may also be proposed then. Merz himself prefers the second vote to take place this week. Within his own CDU, Merz is not very popular and is seen as an ambitious figure who has been trying for years to climb the party ranks.
Update 16:00: Merz was nevertheless elected chancellor in an emergency second round of voting on Tuesday afternoon.