Members of the German Bundestag have elected Friedrich Mertz as Germany's new chancellor, AFP reported.

325 MPs voted in favour, more than the 316 votes needed. 289 voted against, one abstained and three votes were invalid.

Earlier on May 6, Merz failed to win the required votes in the first round.

The conservative leader had expected to win the majority of the 630 MPs, but received the support of only 310 of them and 307 voted against. Three MPs abstained, one vote was invalid and nine MPs were absent. | BGNES