The Bundestag has approved Friedrich Merz's candidacy for the post of German Chancellor on the second attempt. A total of 325 deputies voted in favor, with 316 votes required.

During the first vote, which took place earlier on Tuesday, only 310 deputies supported Merz. The result came as a surprise. A break was announced during the Bundestag session. Later, SPD leader Lars Klingbeil reported that all parties, except for Alternative for Germany (AfD), had agreed that a second vote should be held today.

The right-wing populist Alternative for Germany, which became the largest opposition force in the new Bundestag, welcomed the results of the first vote. Representatives of the opposition Left Party and the Greens also stated that Merz should consider whether he is truly the right candidate.

The day before, the CDU/CSU, led by Merz, and the SPD signed a coalition agreement. The deal is largely a compromise. The parties agreed to tighten migration policy and increase defense spending. The document also emphasizes the need to continue supporting Ukraine.