Angela Merkel has now been elected Chancellor for her third consecutive term of office, after her previous elections in 2005 and 2009. 621 of the 631 members of the German Bundestag cast their vote. Angela Merkel was the choice of the so-called ‘chancellor majority’, i.e. the absolute majority of members of the German Bundestag, in the first round of voting.

Letter of appointment from the Federal President

At Schloss Bellevue, the Chancellor received her letter of appointment from Federal President Joachim Gauck.

Thereafter she was sworn in by Bundestag President Norbert Lammert in the Bundestag in line with Article 56 of the German Basic Law or constitution.

The Chancellor took the following oath, "I swear that I will dedicate my efforts to the well-being of the German people, promote their welfare, protect them from harm, uphold and defend the Basic Law and the laws of the Federation, perform my duties conscientiously, and do justice to all. So help me God. "

Following the swearing in, the new Cabinet ministers will also receive their letters of appointment at the Office of the Federal President and will be sworn in before the German Bundestag. SPD Party Chair Sigmar Gabriel will be Vice-Chancellor and Federal Minister of Economics and Energy.

Inaugural Cabinet meeting

The new Cabinet is scheduled to meet for the first time at 17:00 this afternoon.