The leader of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party and designated chancellor Friedrich Merz (L) speaks with CDU parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn (R) and others during a session at the Bundestag (lower house of parliament) in Berlin on May 6, 2025 before a vote to elect the country's next chancellor. Germany's far-right AfD on May 6 called for a fresh general election after a shock vote in parliament saw conservative leader Merz miss a majority to become chancellor. Merz had expected to win a majority of at least 316 of the 630 votes in the lower house of parliament. But he won the backing of only 310 MPs, with 307 voting against him. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)