The media learned about rumors in the SPD about the sabotage of party deputies during the vote for Merz

Not all members of the coalition of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) and the Christian Democratic Union and the Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) voted for union leader Friedrich Merz during the Bundestag elections. This was reported by the Bild newspaper on May 6.

"Although the CDU/CSU and the SPD have a parliamentary majority, at least 18 members of the coalition did not vote for him," the publication says.

The newspaper clarifies that 310 votes were received for Merz, six less than necessary. It is noted that the coalition represented by Merz has 328 seats in parliament. At the same time, only three people abstained from voting.

"An unpleasant rumor is already circulating in the coalition: the missing votes may belong to the co-chairman of the SPD, Zaskia Esken, and some colleagues in the party. In retaliation for the fact that they did not become ministers in Merz's cabinet," adds Bild.

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On May 6, Bild reported that Merz had decided against holding a second round of the May 6 chancellor's election. It is noted that this information was also confirmed by CDU Secretary General Carsten Linnemann.

Earlier in the day, it was reported that Merz did not receive enough votes during the Bundestag elections to be elected Chancellor of Germany in the first round. A total of 621 people voted, and one ballot was invalid. As a result of the calculation, it turned out that 310 members of parliament voted for Merz's candidacy, 307 voted against, three abstained.