Merz Elected German Chancellor After Tense Vote | JQJO

Friedrich Merz became Germany's new chancellor after a tumultuous election. He failed to secure a majority in the first round of Bundestag voting, a first in German history, requiring an unprecedented second vote. His CDU/CSU bloc secured only 28.6% in February's elections, while the AfD gained significantly. Resistance to Merz stemmed from differing views on immigration and public debt within his coalition and opposition parties. Despite the rocky start, he aims to quickly forge international relations, including with the US.