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.

Friedrich Merz has succeeded in his bid to become the next German chancellor during a second vote in parliament, hours after he suffered a historic defeat in the first round.

BERLIN—Germany faced a political crisis after Friedrich Merz failed to secure enough support in parliament to be confirmed as the country’s next chancellor in a first round of voting, triggering fresh uncertainty in Europe.