The conservative politician had unexpectedly failed to secure enough support in the initial round of parliamentary voting.

Germany's new Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Tuesday that simply banning the far-right Alternative for Germany would not end the groundswell of support for it, noting it was key instead to fight the causes.

Germany’s Friedrich Merz has won a parliamentary vote to become chancellor at the second attempt, hours after an unprecedented defeat signaled deep discontent within his coalition.