German conservative leader Friedrich Merz failed to secure enough parliamentary votes to become chancellor in a major blow.

Friedrich Merz was elected chancellor by the German parliament on Tuesday in a second round of voting, after failing to secure an absolute majority in an earlier round. His appointment ends six months of political deadlock in the country after the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government in November.

Supporters of Mr. Merz, a former corporate lawyer, say he is well-prepared and thoughtful, but critics accuse him of failing to think more than one step ahead and breaking promises.