Merz fails to be elected Germany’s chancellor in first parliament vote

German conservative leader Friedrich Merz’s bid to become Germany’s 10th chancellor has failed in the first round of voting in parliament by six votes.

Merz was expected to win the vote on Tuesday. He needed a majority of 316 out of 630 votes in a secret ballot. He only received 310 votes.

The parties will regroup to discuss the next step.

More to come…