This is the fourth time that Angela Merkel has been elected Chancellor, following the 2005, 2009 and 2013 elections. Of the 709 members of the German Bundestag, 692 cast their vote. Angela Merkel obtained what is termed the "chancellor majority", i.e. the absolute majority of the members of the German Bundestag, in the first round of voting. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier proposed on 5 March that "Ms Angela Merkel be elected Chancellor in line with Article 63 (1) of the German Basic Law or constitution".

Angela Merkel sworn in

Following the vote, Angela Merkel drove to Schloss Bellevue, the official residence of the Federal President, where she was presented with her letter of appointment by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The Chancellor then took the oath of office in the German Bundestag. Bundestag President Wolfgang Schäuble swore her in, pursuant to Article 56 of the German Basic Law.

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. "

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Frank-Walter Steinmeier appoints Cabinet ministers

Today (Wednesday), the new Cabinet ministers also received their letters of appointment from the Federal President. In his short address, Frank-Walter Steinmeier looked at the long period that was needed to form the government. "It is good that the time of uncertainty and insecurity is over. And it is good that three parties are ready and willing to accept the responsibility of governing."

He called on the members of the government to seek direct dialogue with the people, especially with those who have lost their trust in politics. "The government would be well advised to listen and look carefully at the day-to-day conflicts in our country, far removed from the global political stage, where what used to be certain is no longer so, and where life has become more difficult," stressed Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

The Federal President advocated open and honest debate. Threats, hatred and violence should be condemned, also in speech. "Democrats must be vigilant and ready to take a stance and protect democracy."

New government formed

After the ceremony at Schloss Bellevue, the Cabinet ministers also took the oath of office in the German Bundestag, after Bundestag President Wolfgang Schäuble announced the formation of the government on the basis of a letter from the Federal President.

The schedule:
09:00: Election of the Chancellor
ca. 11:00 Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier appoints the newly elected Chancellor
12:00 The Chancellor is sworn in, in the German Bundestag
ca. 12:30 Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier appoints the Cabinet ministers
13:30 Announcement of the new government
13:35 Cabinet ministers are sworn in

In the early evening the Chancellor chaired the inaugural meeting of the new Cabinet at the Federal Chancellery.