Friedrich Merz was elected chancellor of Germany after facing a historic loss in the Bundestag. In the second round, 325 lawmakers voted for Merz, bringing him past the 316-vote threshold.

“SO HELP me God,” said Friedrich Merz, Germany’s new chancellor, his right hand aloft as he solemnly recited the oath of office in the Bundestag on May 6th. Earlier in the day Mr ...