France, May 6 -- Merz was six votes short of an absolute majority needed to become Germany's new Chancellor. A new vote may be held within days, but the outcome is uncertain.

For the first time in Germany's history, a Chancellor-designate failed to obtain the necessary votes in the Bundestag.

Short of majority

After elections in February and the forming of a coalition onMonday, the only hurdle for Merz to start working was today's election - normally a formality.

But Merz obtained just 310 yes-votes, while 307 parliamentarians voted against him. He would have needed 316 votes in the 630 strong parliament.

"Merz should step aside and the way should be cleared for a general election," Alternative for Germany (AfD) co-leader Alice Weide...