What happened in the chancellor election?
Friedrich Merz did not get enough votes in the Bundestag vote for Chancellor. Normally he should have won, but even some members of his own party, the CDU, voted against him.
According to recent media reports, 18 members of parliament from the CDU/CSU and SPD voted against him. If, contrary to expectations, MPs from other parties have also voted for Merz, this number would even increase.
This is very unusual and a first in the history of the Federal Republic of Germany. As there is now no new Federal Chancellor, Olaf Scholz will remain in office for the time being. He will continue to lead the government until a new chancellor is elected.
What happens next?
Under Article 63 of the Basic Law, the Bundestag now has 14 days to hold further elections. In these elections, a candidate needs an absolute majority - i.e. more than half of the votes - to become Chancellor. If no one has this majority after 14 days, there is a final vote. A simple majority is sufficient there, i.e. more yes votes than no votes.
The Federal President then has two options:
- He makes the candidate with a simple majority chancellor.
- He dissolves the Bundestag and new elections are held.
What could happen?
If there are new elections, current polls show that the AFD could become the strongest party. That would be a major change in politics. That could be a problem for many foreigners who want to integrate and obtain German citizenship.
Our assessment
We do not believe that there will be new elections. Germany has never had two elections in a row. The politicians know that the AFD will probably be the strongest party in new elections. The AFD is classified as right-wing extremist by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution.
It is more likely that a chancellor will be elected with a simple majority in the third round of voting. Nevertheless, the political situation in Germany is unstable at the moment.
Our advice for you
There is no reason to panic yet, but the situation is serious - especially for those who do not want the AFD in government. We recommend that you apply for naturalization. As a German citizen, you are safe from possible disadvantages.
What can you do?
- Take our free test: find out in 3 minutes whether you can be naturalized.
- Free expert consultation: We will call you and check by telephone whether and when you can obtain German citizenship.
- Migrando can help you: Our law firm can take care of your Naturalization .
