For the leadership in Germany, two candidates were nominated - the leader of the Free Democrats Friedrich Merz and Health Minister Jens Spahn. However, the winner could not be determined: in the first round, there were not enough votes cast. Merz acknowledged the defeat and stated that he would support Spahn in the next round of elections.
"We tried, and I can only say 'thank you' for the support. I urge you, and all party members, to support Jens Spahn," Merz stated.
Now Spahn will advance to the elections as the candidate from the conservative party.
