Economist Podcasts First not past the post: Germany’s chancellor shocker
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May 6, 2025 
Tom Nuttall, Berlin bureau chief at The Economist, and Sue-Lin Wong, presenter of the Scam Inc. series, discuss Germany's unprecedented parliamentary impasse that left Friedrich Merz's chancellorship in ruins. They unpack the internal dissent that led to this political shockwave. The duo also recounts daring rescue operations in Myanmar, where thousands remain trapped in trafficking. Additionally, they explore intriguing data showing a slight uptick in happiness among young Americans, shedding light on evolving mental health trends.
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Historic Electoral Defeat in Germany
- Friedrich Merz failed to secure the majority of votes needed to become Germany's chancellor, a first in post-war German history.
- This unexpected event signals significant internal dissent within his coalition and political instability.
Internal Dissent in Coalition
- Nearly 18 coalition members abstained or voted against Merz in a secret ballot, indicating dissatisfaction within his ranks.
- Reasons include frustration with coalition talks, policy U-turns, and opposition from Social Democrats on key issues.
Next Steps After Vote Failure
- Germany's constitution provides a clear process for subsequent chancellor votes within 14 days, escalating if needed.
- Despite uncertainty, it’s likely dissenters will eventually support Merz to avoid prolonged political deadlock.