GERMANY-POLITICS-PARLIAMENT-ELECTION-CHANCELLOR

Designated German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (2ndL, front row) is applauded by party members among them Parliamentary group leader of Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Jens Spahn (L) and designated Interior Minister and member of the Bavarian conservative Christian Social Union (CSU) party Alexander Dobrindt (2ndR) a second round of voting during a session at the Bundestag (lower house of parliament) where the parliament is to elect the Germany's next Chancellor, in Berlin on May 6, 2025. Germany's conservative leader Friedrich Merz face a second vote in parliament on May 6, 2025 in his bid to become chancellor after he lost the first round in a stunning early setback. Even if he ends up becoming post-war Germany's 10th chancellor, the initial shock defeat dealt a heavy blow to Merz who has vowed to restore stability in Berlin after half a year of political turmoil. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP) (Photo by ODD ANDERSEN/AFP via Getty Images)