Merz officially becomes Germany's new Chancellor
Photo: Friedrich Merz, German Chancellor (Getty Images)
CDU leader Friedrich Merz took the oath of office, officially becoming Germany's new Chancellor, Spiegel reports.
Merz first headed to the Grand Hall of the Bellevue Palace, the residence of the German President. There, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier handed Merz the certificate of his appointment as Chancellor.
"On behalf of the Federal Republic of Germany, I appoint Mr. Friedrich Merz as Federal Chancellor," said Steinmeier.
After the ceremony, Merz got into his car and drove back to the Bundestag, where he took the oath of office. At the end of the ceremony, the new Chancellor said, "May God help me." The hall then erupted in long applause.
It is expected that after Merz, the new ministers will also take the oath.
Merz becomes Germany's new Chancellor
On May 6, a vote took place in the Bundestag to appoint Friedrich Merz as Chancellor.
His first attempt was unexpectedly unsuccessful: Merz was supported by only 310 deputies out of the required 316 votes.
The second round took place a few hours later, when 325 members of the Bundestag supported his candidacy.
