The 2005 German federal election ended SPD-Green rule and produced a grand coalition, making Angela Merkel Germany's first female chancellor.
Key Facts
- Election date
- 18 September 2005
- CDU/CSU vote share
- 35%
- SPD vote share
- 34%
- Left Party seats won
- 54
- Merkel chancellor vote
- 397 votes in favour
- Bundestag elected
- 16th Bundestag
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The incumbent SPD–Green coalition government of Chancellor Gerhard Schröder suffered a defeat in the North Rhine-Westphalia state election in 2005. Schröder's government then deliberately lost a federal vote of confidence to trigger a snap federal election, which had originally been scheduled for autumn 2006.
On 18 September 2005, German voters elected the 16th Bundestag in a closely contested race. The CDU/CSU fell to 35% while the SPD narrowed the gap to 34%, defying polls. Neither the CDU/CSU–FDP nor the SPD–Green blocs secured a Bundestag majority, largely due to the Left Party's strong showing of 8.7% and 54 seats.
With no conventional coalition viable, the CDU/CSU and SPD entered negotiations for a grand coalition. On 22 November 2005, the Bundestag elected Angela Merkel as federal chancellor with 397 votes, making her Germany's first female chancellor and ending seven years of SPD-led government.
Political Outcome
Grand coalition formed between CDU/CSU and SPD; Angela Merkel elected chancellor on 22 November 2005 with 397 votes.
SPD–Green coalition government led by Chancellor Gerhard Schröder
CDU/CSU–SPD grand coalition led by Chancellor Angela Merkel