Friedrich Merz has officially been elected Germany’s 10th chancellor since World War II, following a tense two-round vote in the Bundestag that exposed cracks in the newly formed ruling coalition. Merz secured 325 votes in the second round—just above the 316 needed for a majority.
The 14 Vice-Presidents and five Quaestors, together with the President, comprise Parliament’s Bureau. In a secret vote by paper ballot, 11 Vice-Presidents were elected in the first round of voting, and three in the second and final ballot. The vote on Parliament’s Quaestors took place on Wednesday, in two rounds by secret electronic vote.
EU Parliament adopts new REMIT legislation to prevent energy market manipulation, boost transparency, and strengthen ACER’s regulatory role. The law aims to protect EU consumers from price volatility.