The failure of Friedrich Merz to secure victory in the first round of voting for the German chancellorship underscores a deepening crisis within Germany’s political system, according to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko.

Social Democratic coalition, Friedrich Merz, suffered a shock defeat Tuesday in his bid to become chancellor after failing to secure a majority in a vote in the Bundestag.

Bundestag confirmed Friedrich Merz as Germany's new chancellor in a successful second vote after he unexpectedly lost an initial round earlier on Tuesday. Merz won 325 votes in favour — higher than the 316 required.