The Intelligence from The Economist 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 Su Lin Wong, presenter of the Scam Inc. series, dive into Germany's surprising political turmoil, where Friedrich Merz's coalition crumbled just short of victory. They discuss the implications of internal party dissent and the rise of the hard right. Nuttall and Wong also highlight recent raids on scam operations in Myanmar, shedding light on the plight of thousands still trapped in a dangerous cycle. Interestingly, they explore a positive trend: a slight increase in happiness among young Americans, suggesting a potential shift in mental health.
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Merz's Coalition Rebellion
- Friedrich Merz failed to secure majority support partly due to dissatisfaction within his own coalition.
- The secret ballot system in Germany reduces the political cost for MPs to protest against their party leader.
Sources of Coalition Discontent
- Merz's party members view him as erratic and criticize his major policy U-turn on defense spending.
- Social Democrats in the coalition reluctantly accepted tough compromises, possibly contributing to dissent.
Germany's Chancellor Vote Procedure
- German constitutional rules require a second Bundestag vote within 14 days if chancellor vote fails.
- If the third vote fails, other candidates can run and the president may call fresh elections.