ドイツ メルツ氏しを首相しゅしょうに選出せんしゅつ 異例いれいの2回かい目めの投票とうひょうで

On the 6th in Germany, Mr. Merz of the center-right Christian Democratic and Social Union, who won the general election in February this year, assumed the post of Chancellor and launched a new administration.

However, in an unusual situation, the prime minister was not chosen in the first round of voting in the parliament, which is seen as a setback that has dealt a major blow right from the start.

On the 6th, a vote was held in the German Bundestag to elect Mr. Merz of the center-right Christian Democratic/Social Union as the new Chancellor.

The Christian Democratic and Social Alliance, together with the center-left Social Democratic Party with whom it forms a coalition, holds a majority of seats, but in the first round of voting, they fell just short of a majority in favor and were not elected.

In Germany, it has never happened before that a chancellor was not elected in the first round of voting, making this an unusual situation.

The vote was conducted anonymously, but German media report that some ruling party lawmakers may have rebelled in response to Mr. Merzs cooperation with the far-right group Alternative for Germany in parliament this January to tighten immigration policy.

Afterwards, each party discussed their response and held another vote, resulting in Mr. Merz being elected as prime minister.

Mr. Merz was then sworn in at the parliament and inaugurated the new administration.

And he expressed his determination to the press, saying, I am confident that the new administration can solve this countrys problems.

Mr. Merz had stated that he would begin his activities from his first day in office, and he had indicated his intention to highlight changes in Germany, which has experienced a prolonged political vacuum, by planning visits to neighboring countries such as France on the 7th.

German media report that Mr. Merz has been dealt a blow right at the outset and has suffered a significant setback, and it is expected to have an impact on the administration of the government.

Friedrich Merz, who has become Germanys new chancellor, is 69 years old.

In the federal parliamentary election this February, he became the prime ministerial candidate for the center-right Christian Democratic and Social Union, called for revitalizing the sluggish economy and tightening immigration policies, and succeeded in bringing his party back to power for the first time in four years.

Taking into account the repeated internal conflicts within the coalition government led by former Chancellor Scholz and the resulting political stagnation, it is being emphasized that stabilizing politics and fulfilling the role as a major European power are important.

Mr. Merz once lost an internal power struggle with former Chancellor Merkel and temporarily withdrew from politics in 2009.

After gaining business experience both in Japan and abroad, including advising major corporations as a lawyer at an international law firm, he returned to parliament in 2021.

He is also regarded as a different type of politician from Ms. Merkel or Mr. Scholz, as he prefers to be at the forefront and is willing to take risks to push policies forward.

One example of this is the reform that Mr. Merz implemented in parliament this March after the election.

Mr. Merz argued that, as the United States involvement in Europes defense under the Trump administration becomes uncertain, a significant increase in defense spending is essential to counter threats such as Russia. He called for cooperation from each party and amended the Basic Law, which serves as the constitution.

This has made it possible to significantly increase defense spending, but Mr. Merz has faced criticism because, during the election campaign, he emphasized maintaining fiscal discipline and insisted that he would not amend the law.

In addition, this January, a resolution calling for stricter immigration policies was passed in cooperation with the far-right group Alternative for Germany against the then-government, breaking the taboo of major parties not cooperating with far-right forces due to the Nazi past. This led to large-scale protest rallies and widespread backlash.

Professor Uwe Wagschal of the University of Freiburg, an expert on German politics, said about Mr. Merz, He is full of confidence and conviction, and has always wanted to become chancellor.

He points out that he is aiming to become a strong leader.

On the other hand, he also said, We might need to find a better way to explain policies to the public, suggesting that thoroughly explaining things to the public could be the key to success as prime minister.

Mr. Merzs close aide suggests a shift in security policy and hints at considering the reinstatement of conscription. In an interview with NHK, a close aide to Mr. Merz, who has become Germanys new chancellor, stated, We cannot assume that America will continue to guarantee the security of Germany and Europe. He indicated a shift from previous security policies, moving toward strengthening military capabilities and also hinted at the possibility of considering the reinstatement of conscription.

Mr. Thorsten Frei, one of Mr. Merzs close aides and a cabinet member in the new administration who will serve as Chief of the Prime Ministers Office, responded to NHKs interview.

First of all, Mr. Merz has extensive experience not only in politics but also in the business world.

He was praised as a highly effective leader who faces problems head-on—just the kind of leader needed right now.

Furthermore, regarding the new administration’s pledge to significantly strengthen national defense capabilities, he stated, “We cannot assume that America will continue to guarantee the safety of Germany and Europe,” indicating that a shift in the current security policy is necessary. He expressed a policy to enhance military capabilities so that they can counter the threat from Russia even without the United States.

And, after having been criticized by the Trump administration for its low spending, it is planning to significantly increase its defense budget, even considering spending more than 3% of its GDP—the level that West Germany spent during the Cold War—saying, Europe is at war.

We must do more to maintain the international legal and rules-based order into the future, as has become evident in Ukraine, he said.

There is also an analysis that European countries lack a total of 300,000 soldiers to counter the threat from Russia without the United States. In this context, Mr. Frei stated, We will begin recruitment efforts based on voluntary enlistment, but if that does not go well, we will have to discuss other options, suggesting the possibility of considering the reinstatement of conscription.

On the other hand, regarding the revitalization of the domestic economy, he said, In order to restore the competitiveness of companies, it is necessary to permanently reduce electricity and energy costs.

Corporate taxes are also significantly higher than the average of OECD Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development member countries, so further measures are necessary. It is stated that efforts will be made to curb energy prices and implement tax cuts.

Furthermore, regarding the far-right group Alternative for Germany, whose support continues to grow, he said, If we cannot solve various domestic issues, Alternative for Germany will continue to make significant gains.

The new administration will be judged not by its words, but by its actions.

“If successful, we can counter Alternative for Germany,” he said, expressing his desire to achieve results on both domestic and international issues and halt their momentum.