Germany’s Friedrich Merz has won a parliamentary vote to become chancellor at the second attempt, hours after an unprecedented defeat signaled deep discontent within his coalition.

Friedrich Merz has succeeded in his bid to become the next German chancellor during a second vote in parliament, hours after he suffered a historic defeat in the first round.

The leader of Germany's Christian Democrat-Social Democratic coalition, Friedrich Merz, suffered a shock defeat Tuesday in his bid to become chancellor after failing to secure a majority in a vote in the Bundestag.