Friedrich Merz, the Christian Democratic Union’s (CDU) candidate for German Chancellor, narrowly missed securing the required majority in Tuesday’s Bundestag vote, falling short by just six votes of the 316 needed to assume office.

Despite the CDU/CSU and the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) having signed a coalition agreement on Monday, no second round of voting is expected today, according to multiple German media outlets.

The coalition pact, concluded in April after weeks of negotiation, promises to enhance Germany’s economic competitiveness, bolster national defence, and tighten migration policies.

Merz, leader of the CDU and head of the CDU/CSU bloc—also known as the Union—was expected to be confirmed as Chancellor by the Bundestag, thereby ending Olaf Scholz’s tenure. SPD co-leader Lars Klingbeil was lined up for the Vice Chancellor role.

The SPD also announced its nominations for the new cabinet on Monday. Klingbeil is set to head the Finance Ministry, while Boris Pistorius will continue as Defence Minister. Baerbel Bas, former Bundestag President, has been nominated as Minister of Labour and Social Affairs. Reem Alabali-Radovan, 35, is set to lead the Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.

Speaking on Monday before the coalition signing, Merz said the alliance intends to propel Germany forward through urgent reforms and investment in critical infrastructure. “I am very confident that starting tomorrow, we will succeed in governing our country with strength, planning, and trust,” Merz stated, as reported by Xinhua.

Klingbeil also emphasized the government’s commitment to rapid action, promising to attract future-facing industries and reduce bureaucratic hurdles. As part of the coalition’s roadmap, a €500-billion (approx. $567 billion USD) fund will be created to support infrastructure and climate-neutrality projects.

On migration, while the new coalition aims to tighten policies, Klingbeil reiterated Germany’s identity as a nation of immigration, adding that future migration would be governed by clear and structured rules.