What is the official title of the head of government in Germany?

The official title of the head of government in Germany is the federal chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany. This position is commonly shortened to Bundeskanzler for a male chancellor or Bundeskanzlerin for a female chancellor.

What are the primary roles of the Chancellor of Germany?

The Chancellor of Germany serves as the head of the federal government, the chief executive of the Federal Cabinet, and leads the executive branch. During a declared state of defence, the chancellor also assumes the role of commander-in-chief of the Bundeswehr, which is Germany's unified armed forces.

How many individuals have served as Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany since its formation in 1949?

Ten people, specifically nine men and one woman, have served as chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany since its establishment in 1949. The first person to hold this office was Konrad Adenauer.

Who is the current officeholder of the Chancellor of Germany, and when were they sworn in?

The current officeholder is Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democratic Union, who was sworn into office on 6 May 2025.

What was the historical origin of the title 'chancellor' in Germany?

The title 'chancellor' (Latin: *cancellarius*) has a long history, originating in the Holy Roman Empire (circa 900–1806) where it was given to the head of the clerics at the Imperial chapel, who managed the emperor's chancellery, responsible for issuing deeds and capitularies.

How did the office of imperial archchancellor evolve in the Holy Roman Empire?

The office of imperial archchancellor was eventually bestowed upon the archbishops of Mainz, who held significant ecclesiastical and political power within the Holy Roman Empire, overseeing the imperial chancellery.

When was the agency of an imperial chancellery (Reichshofkanzlei) established and where was it located?

Emperor Ferdinand I established the agency of an imperial chancellery (Reichshofkanzlei) in 1559 at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna, which served as the imperial residence and administrative center.

What was the role of the court chancellor in the Archduchy of Austria, established by Ferdinand II?

Following the Battle of White Mountain in 1620, Emperor Ferdinand II created the office of court chancellor for the Archduchy of Austria, which was responsible for managing the internal and foreign affairs of the Habsburg monarchy.

Who served as state chancellors in the Austrian Empire and the Kingdom of Prussia after the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire?

After the Holy Roman Empire's dissolution in 1806, Prince Klemens von Metternich served as state chancellor of the Austrian Empire, and Prince Karl August von Hardenberg acted as chancellor of the Kingdom of Prussia from 1810 to 1822.

How did the German Confederation, established after the Napoleonic Wars, differ from the later North German Confederation in terms of government structure?

The German Confederation, formed after the Napoleonic Wars, lacked a government or legislature, possessing only a Bundestag that represented its member states, whereas the North German Confederation later established the office of *Bundeskanzler* (federal Chancellor) as part of its executive, marking a significant step towards a unified government.

When was the modern office of chancellor established in Germany, and what event led to its creation?

The modern office of chancellor was established with the beginning of the North German Confederation on 1 July 1867, following the Prussian Army's decisive victory in the brief Austro-Prussian War of 1866 over the Austrian Empire.

What was the title of the chancellor during the German Empire, and who was the first to hold this office?

In 1871, when the North German Confederation transformed into the German Empire, the title of *Bundeskanzler* was changed to *Reichskanzler* (imperial chancellor), and Otto von Bismarck was the first to hold this position, having previously been the *Bundeskanzler*.

How did the role of the chancellor change between 1867 and 1918 in the German Empire?

From 1867 to 1918, the chancellor was the sole responsible minister at the federal level, appointed by the *Bundespräsidium* (King of Prussia/Emperor of Germany), and primarily presided over the Bundesrat, the representative organ of the German states, with state secretaries serving as subordinate civil servants.

What significant constitutional reform occurred in October 1918 regarding the chancellor's power?

In October 1918, on the verge of defeat in World War I, the German Empire's 1871 constitution was reformed to require that the chancellor have the confidence of parliament, similar to other European parliamentary democracies, giving the Reichstag more power over the executive.

Who became the head of government during the revolutionary period following Kaiser Wilhelm II's abdication in November 1918?

On 9 November 1918, Chancellor Prince Maximilian of Baden transferred his office to Friedrich Ebert, the leader of the Social Democrats, who then served as head of government during the transitional period between the end of the German Empire and the establishment of the Weimar Republic.

What was the 'Council of the People's Deputies,' and what role did it play during the revolutionary period?

The 'Council of the People's Deputies,' co-chaired by Friedrich Ebert and Hugo Haase, de facto assumed the roles of emperor, parliament, and federal council during the revolutionary period of 1918-1919, and was responsible for calling for general elections in January 1919 to establish a new government.

How was the executive branch structured in the Weimar Republic according to its constitution?

The Weimar Constitution established a two-part executive branch, comprising a Reich president and a government consisting of Reich ministers and a Reich chancellor, with the chancellor responsible for determining the government's policy guidelines.

What was the process for appointing ministers in the Weimar Republic?

In the Weimar Republic, the president appointed and dismissed the chancellor and ministers, with ministers being appointed by the president upon the chancellor's recommendation, and all government members requiring the confidence of the Reichstag, the parliament of the Weimar Republic.

What limitations did Weimar-era chancellors face despite their power to determine policy guidelines?

Weimar-era chancellors found their power to determine political guidelines limited by the necessity of forming coalition governments with various political parties and by the significant powers held by the Reich President, often making them more mediators than decisive leaders within the cabinet.

How could the Reichstag influence the tenure of the chancellor and ministers in the Weimar Republic?

The Reichstag had the power to demand the dismissal of the chancellor or any minister, and under Articles 54 and 59 of the Weimar Constitution, it could also impeach them, along with the president, before the State Court for the German Reich, which was the constitutional court of the Weimar Republic.

How did Adolf Hitler consolidate power after becoming Chancellor in 1933?

Upon his appointment as chancellor on 30 January 1933, Adolf Hitler rapidly accumulated power, notably by passing the Enabling Act after the Reichstag fire, which granted the chancellor full legislative powers for four years, allowing the cabinet to introduce laws without parliamentary consent, effectively sidelining the Reichstag.

Who briefly succeeded Adolf Hitler as Chancellor after his suicide in April 1945?

After Adolf Hitler committed suicide on 30 April 1945, Joseph Goebbels briefly succeeded him as Chancellor, while Grand Admiral Karl Dönitz became President of Germany, following Hitler's instructions to separate the offices again.

What was the title of the head of government in East Germany, and how did it differ from the Chancellor of West Germany?

In communist East Germany, the position of chancellor did not exist; instead, the head of government was called either Minister President (*Ministerpräsident*) or the chairman of the Council of Ministers of the GDR (*Vorsitzender des Ministerrats der DDR*), a role that was subordinate to the General Secretary of the Socialist Unity Party of Germany.

What is the significance of Germany being referred to as a 'chancellor democracy' today?

Germany is often called a 'chancellor democracy' because the 1949 Basic Law grants the chancellor extensive powers to initiate government policy, making the office the clear focus of power and the country's chief executive, despite being formally the third-highest office after the President and the President of the Bundestag.

What is a 'chancellor-candidate' (*Kanzlerkandidat*) in the context of German federal elections?

A 'chancellor-candidate' (*Kanzlerkandidat*) is the leading candidate for the federal election put forward by a major party (historically, CDU/CSU or SPD) that does not currently hold the chancellorship, indicating their proposed leader for the government.

What constitutes the federal government (*Bundesregierung*) in Germany?

The federal government (*Bundesregierung*) in Germany is composed of the chancellor and the various cabinet ministers, who together form the executive branch of the government.

From where does the chancellor's authority primarily derive in the Federal Republic of Germany?

The chancellor's authority primarily stems from the provisions of the Basic Law and, in practical terms, from their position as the leader of the party or coalition of parties that holds a majority of seats in the Bundestag, the federal parliament.

Which two chancellors did not also serve as chairman of their own political party during their tenure?

Helmut Schmidt and Olaf Scholz are the two chancellors who did not also serve as chairman of their own political party during their time in office, which is an exception to the common practice where the chancellor also leads their party.

How did Konrad Adenauer influence the role of the chancellorship in post-war Germany?

Konrad Adenauer, the first chancellor of the Federal Republic, established many precedents, centralizing nearly all major decisions to himself and often treating his ministers as extensions of his authority, thereby solidifying the chancellorship as the clear focus of power in Germany and contributing to the concept of 'chancellor democracy'.

What is the chancellor's role in determining the composition of the Federal Cabinet?

The chancellor determines the composition of the Federal Cabinet, recommending ministers to the president for formal appointment and dismissal, and also has the power to set the number of cabinet ministers and dictate their specific duties, without requiring parliamentary approval for individual ministers.

Which chancellor had the largest cabinet, and how many ministers did it include?

Ludwig Erhard had the largest cabinet in the mid-1960s, which included 22 ministers, reflecting a broader distribution of portfolios at the time.

What are the three core principles outlined in Article 65 of the Basic Law that define the executive branch's function?

Article 65 of the Basic Law outlines three principles: the 'chancellor principle,' which makes the chancellor responsible for all government policies; the 'principle of ministerial autonomy,' which grants ministers freedom in departmental operations consistent with the chancellor's guidelines; and the 'cabinet principle,' which mandates that disagreements between federal ministers be resolved by the cabinet.

Explain the 'chancellor principle' (*Richtlinienkompetenz*) as defined by the Basic Law.

The 'chancellor principle,' also known as *Richtlinienkompetenz* (guideline setting competence), makes the chancellor responsible for all government policies and means that any formal policy guidelines issued by the chancellor are legally binding directives that cabinet ministers must implement, ensuring a unified direction for the executive.

What does the 'principle of ministerial autonomy' entail for individual cabinet ministers?

The 'principle of ministerial autonomy' grants each minister the freedom to oversee their departmental operations and prepare legislative proposals without interference from the cabinet, provided that their policies align with the chancellor's broader guidelines, allowing for specialized expertise within the government.

How are disagreements between federal ministers resolved according to the 'cabinet principle'?

According to the 'cabinet principle,' any disagreements that arise between federal ministers regarding jurisdictional or budgetary matters must be settled collectively by the cabinet through a majority vote, ensuring cohesive decision-making within the government.

Describe the first voting phase of a regular chancellor election.

In the first voting phase of a regular chancellor election, the President of Germany proposes a candidate to the Bundestag, and this candidate is then voted upon without debate. If the nominee secures the necessary 'chancellor majority,' the president appoints them, and the president of the Bundestag administers the oath of office.

What are the possible outcomes if the Bundestag fails to elect a chancellor after two weeks of balloting in the second phase?

If the Bundestag cannot elect a chancellor within two weeks, a final ballot is held the next day where candidates still need support from at least a quarter of all MPs; if a candidate receives a 'chancellor majority,' they are elected, but if not, the President of Germany has the option to either appoint the candidate with a plurality of votes as Chancellor or dissolve the Bundestag and call for new elections.

How many chancellor elections have taken place in the Federal Republic of Germany as of 2025, and how many were regular elections versus constructive votes of no confidence?

As of 2025, there have been 26 chancellor elections in the Federal Republic of Germany's history; 24 of these were regular chancellor elections, and two were constructive votes of no confidence.

Which chancellor election was the only one to proceed to the second phase as of 2025?

As of 2025, the election of Friedrich Merz was the only chancellor election that proceeded into the second voting phase, indicating that the initial presidential nominee did not secure the required 'chancellor majority'.

Which constructive vote of no confidence was successful in German history?

The constructive vote of no confidence against Helmut Schmidt by Helmut Kohl in 1982 was successful, leading to Kohl becoming chancellor and demonstrating the mechanism's effectiveness in changing government leadership.

What is a 'motion of confidence,' and what options does it provide the chancellor if lost?

A 'motion of confidence' is a proposal that only the chancellor can submit to the Bundestag, asking for an explicit expression of confidence; if the chancellor loses this vote, they gain additional options, such as requesting the president to dissolve the Bundestag for a snap election or declaring a legislative emergency to temporarily bypass the Bundestag in the legislative process.

How many times has a chancellor submitted a motion of confidence, and for what primary reasons?

A chancellor has submitted a motion of confidence a total of six times; two of these were 'genuine motions of confidence' (in 1982 and 2001) to test parliamentary support, while the other four (in 1972, 1982, 2005, and 2024) were strategically used by the respective chancellors to deliberately trigger snap elections.

What is the role of the vice chancellor in Germany?

The vice chancellor, appointed by the chancellor from among the cabinet ministers (Article 69.1 Basic Law), serves to deputise for the chancellor if they are absent or unable to perform their duties, ensuring continuity in leadership.

Who was the only vice chancellor to serve as acting chancellor, and under what circumstances?

Walter Scheel was the only vice chancellor to serve as acting chancellor, doing so for nine days in May 1974 after Chancellor Willy Brandt resigned as a consequence of the Guillaume affair, an espionage scandal, and specifically requested not to remain in office in an acting capacity.

Who is the current Vice Chancellor of Germany, and what other ministerial portfolio do they hold?

The current Vice Chancellor of Germany is Lars Klingbeil, who also serves as the Minister of Finance in the Merz cabinet.

Chancellor Of Germany Wiki: The German Chancellorship: Evolution of Executive Power

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Overview

Head of Government

The Chancellor of Germany, officially the Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, serves as the head of the federal government. This pivotal role makes the Chancellor the chief executive of the Federal Cabinet, leading the executive branch of the German political system. The office is often considered the most powerful within Germany, reflecting the country's "chancellor democracy" structure.

Election and Appointment

The Chancellor is elected by the Bundestag, Germany's federal parliament, following a proposal from the federal president. This election occurs without prior debate, as stipulated by Article 63 of the German Constitution (Basic Law). In times of national defense, declared by the Bundestag, the Chancellor also assumes the critical position of commander-in-chief of the Bundeswehr, Germany's armed forces.

Incumbency and Legacy

Since 1949, ten individuals—nine men and one woman—have held the office of Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany. The inaugural Chancellor was Konrad Adenauer, who served from 1949 to 1963. The current officeholder, as of May 6, 2025, is Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democratic Union. Over the various German states and empires since 1867, a total of 33 individuals have served as heads of government, predominantly under the title of Chancellor.

Historical Evolution

Imperial Roots (Pre-1867)

The concept of a "chancellor" in German governance traces its origins back to the Holy Roman Empire (circa 900–1806). Initially, the title of cancellarius was bestowed upon the head of the clerics within the Imperial chapel, who managed the emperor's chancery, responsible for issuing official documents. Over time, the office of imperial archchancellor became associated with the Archbishops of Mainz. Later, agencies like the imperial chancellery (1559) and the Austrian state chancellor (1753) emerged, managing internal and foreign affairs for the Habsburg monarchy. Following the Holy Roman Empire's dissolution in 1806, figures like Prince Klemens von Metternich and Karl August von Hardenberg served as state chancellors for the Austrian Empire and the Kingdom of Prussia, respectively. The subsequent German Confederation, established after the Napoleonic Wars, lacked a central government or legislature.

North German Confederation & Empire (1867–1918)

The modern chancellorship began with the North German Confederation in 1867, following Prussia's victory in the Austro-Prussian War. Otto von Bismarck, then Minister-President of Prussia, became the first Bundeskanzler (Federal Chancellor). In 1871, with the formation of the German Empire, the title evolved to Reichskanzler (Imperial Chancellor). During this era, the Chancellor was the sole responsible minister at the federal level, appointed by the King of Prussia (later the German Emperor). Bismarck strategically held both the Prussian Minister-President and Federal Chancellor roles, leveraging Prussia's dominant position and votes in the Bundesrat to effectively govern. This system, where the Chancellor's power was largely independent of parliamentary confidence, persisted until constitutional reforms in October 1918, which mandated parliamentary confidence for the Chancellor.

Weimar Republic (1919–1933)

Following World War I and the revolutionary period of 1918-1919, the Weimar Republic continued the office of Reichskanzler. Under the Weimar Constitution, the Chancellor headed a collegial democratic government, appointed by the Reich President, with ministers appointed on the Chancellor's recommendation. Critically, the government required the confidence of the Reichstag. While the Chancellor had the prerogative to set policy guidelines, this power was often constrained by the necessity of coalition governments and the significant powers of the Reich President. Cabinet decisions were made by majority vote, meaning the Chancellor could be outvoted. This era saw chancellors often acting more as mediators than strong political initiators.

Nazi Germany (1933–1945)

Adolf Hitler's appointment as Chancellor on January 30, 1933, marked a radical transformation of the office. Within months, the Enabling Act granted the Chancellor full legislative powers, effectively sidelining the Reichstag and the Weimar Constitution. After President Paul von Hindenburg's death in 1934, Hitler merged the offices of Reich Chancellor and Reich President, assuming the title of Führer und Reichskanzler, consolidating absolute power. This effectively abolished the presidency and removed any constitutional checks on the Chancellor's authority. In April 1945, Hitler's final instructions aimed to separate the offices again, leading to Joseph Goebbels briefly succeeding him as Chancellor, followed by Grand Admiral Karl Dönitz appointing Count Schwerin von Krosigk as "Leading Minister" after Goebbels' suicide.

Modern Chancellorship (1949–Present)

Chancellor Democracy

The 1949 Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany significantly empowered the Bundeskanzler, granting broad authority to initiate government policy and diminishing the federal president's role. This constitutional framework has led to Germany being characterized as a "chancellor democracy," highlighting the Chancellor's central position as the country's chief executive. Despite this, the Chancellor holds the third-highest office in the German order of precedence, after the President of Germany and the President of the Bundestag.

Party Leadership and Influence

The Chancellor's authority is derived not only from the Basic Law but also from their leadership of the party or coalition holding a majority in the Bundestag. Historically, most Chancellors, with the exceptions of Helmut Schmidt and Olaf Scholz, have also served as chairmen of their respective parties. Konrad Adenauer, the first Chancellor, established many enduring precedents, centralizing major decisions and often treating ministers as extensions of his authority. While subsequent Chancellors have adopted less domineering styles, the office retains substantial ex officio authority.

Cabinet Composition and Principles

The Chancellor determines the composition of the Federal Cabinet, recommending ministers for formal appointment by the President. No parliamentary approval is required for these appointments. The Chancellor also dictates the number of cabinet ministers and their specific duties. The functioning of the executive branch is guided by three core principles outlined in Article 65 of the Basic Law:

Chancellor Principle (Richtlinienkompetenz): The Chancellor is responsible for all government policies and issues legally binding directives that cabinet ministers must implement.
Ministerial Autonomy: Each minister has the freedom to manage their department and propose legislation, provided their policies align with the Chancellor's broader guidelines.
Cabinet Principle: Disagreements between federal ministers on jurisdictional or budgetary matters are resolved by the cabinet through majority vote.

Federal Chancellors (1949–Present)

A chronological overview of the Federal Chancellors of the Federal Republic of Germany.

CDU SPD FDP Alliance 90/The Greens

Portrait	Name (Birth–Death)	Term of office		Political party	Vice Chancellor(s)	Cabinets
Portrait	Name (Birth–Death)	Term	Time in office	Political party	Vice Chancellor(s)	Cabinets
1	Konrad Adenauer (1876–1967)	15 September 1949 – 16 October 1963	14 years, 31 days	CDU	Franz Blücher (1949–57) Ludwig Erhard (1957–63)	I II III IV
2	Ludwig Erhard (1897–1977)	16 October 1963 – 1 December 1966	3 years, 46 days	CDU	Erich Mende (1963–66) Hans-Chr. Seebohm (1966)	I II
3	Kurt Georg Kiesinger (1904–1988)	1 December 1966 – 22 October 1969	2 years, 325 days	CDU	Willy Brandt (1966–69)	I
4	Willy Brandt (1913–1992)	22 October 1969 – 7 May 1974	4 years, 197 days	SPD	Walter Scheel (1969–74)	I II
Vice Chancellor Walter Scheel served as acting Chancellor from 7 May to 16 May 1974.
5	Helmut Schmidt (1918–2015)	16 May 1974 – 1 October 1982	8 years, 138 days	SPD	Hans-D. Genscher (1974–82) Egon Franke (1982)	I II III
6	Helmut Kohl (1930–2017)	1 October 1982 – 27 October 1998	16 years, 26 days	CDU	Hans-D. Genscher (1982–92) Jürgen Möllemann (1992–93) Klaus Kinkel (1993–98)	I II III IV V
7	Gerhard Schröder (b. 1944)	27 October 1998 – 22 November 2005	7 years, 26 days	SPD	Joschka Fischer (1998–2005)	I II
8	Angela Merkel (b. 1954)	22 November 2005 – 8 December 2021	16 years, 16 days	CDU	Franz Müntefering (2005–07) Frank-W. Steinmeier (2007–09) Guido Westerwelle (2009–11) Philipp Rösler (2011–13) Sigmar Gabriel (2013–18) Olaf Scholz (2018–21)	I II III IV
9	Olaf Scholz (b. 1958)	8 December 2021 – 6 May 2025	3 years, 149 days	SPD	Robert Habeck (2021–25)	I
10	Friedrich Merz (b. 1955)	6 May 2025 – Incumbent	149 days	CDU	Lars Klingbeil (Incumbent)	I

Election Process

Constitutional Mandate

The Chancellor is elected by the Bundestag and formally appointed by the President of Germany. This process can occur through a regular election, such as when a newly elected Bundestag convenes or if the office becomes vacant due to death or resignation, or via a constructive vote of no confidence. A critical requirement for election is the "chancellor majority" (Kanzlermehrheit), which mandates a majority of all elected members of the Bundestag, not merely a majority of those present. All Chancellor elections are conducted via secret ballot.

Three-Phase Voting

Article 63 of the Basic Law outlines a structured, multi-phase election process for the Chancellor, designed to ensure a stable government. This process can extend over up to three distinct voting phases:

First Voting Phase

The President of Germany initiates the process by proposing a candidate to the Bundestag. This nomination is then put to a vote without any prior debate. While the President theoretically has discretion in timing and candidate selection, in practice, they typically await the outcome of coalition negotiations following an election and nominate the agreed-upon candidate. If this nominee secures the necessary "chancellor majority," the President proceeds with their appointment, and the President of the Bundestag administers the oath of office.

Second Voting Phase

Should the initial nominee fail to achieve the "chancellor majority," the right of nomination shifts to the Bundestag itself. During this phase, which can last for two weeks, candidates can be nominated for election if supported by at least a quarter of all Members of Parliament (MPs). The Bundestag may conduct multiple ballots, with each candidate still requiring a "chancellor majority" to be elected.

Third Voting Phase

If the Bundestag remains unable to elect a Chancellor within the two-week period of the second phase, a final ballot is held on the very next day. Again, candidates must be nominated by at least a quarter of all MPs. In this decisive ballot, a candidate receiving a "chancellor majority" is elected. However, if no candidate achieves this, the President of Germany faces a crucial decision: either to appoint the candidate who received a plurality of votes as Chancellor or to dissolve the Bundestag and call for new federal elections. As of 2025, no Chancellor election has ever progressed to this third phase, underscoring the political consensus typically achieved earlier in the process.

Confidence Mechanisms

Constructive Vote of No Confidence

A distinctive feature of the German political system is the "constructive vote of no confidence." This mechanism allows the Bundestag to remove a sitting Chancellor only if it simultaneously elects a new Chancellor by a "chancellor majority" (a majority of all members). This design aims to prevent political instability by ensuring that a government vacuum is not created. This motion has been tabled twice in the history of the Federal Republic of Germany, with one successful outcome: Helmut Kohl against Helmut Schmidt in 1982, and one failure: Rainer Barzel against Willy Brandt in 1972.

Motion of Confidence

Conversely, the Chancellor can initiate a "motion of confidence," asking the Bundestag to explicitly express its trust in them. If the Chancellor loses this vote, they do not automatically leave office. Instead, this outcome grants the Chancellor additional strategic options: they can request the President to dissolve the Bundestag and call for a snap election, or they can declare a legislative emergency, allowing the government to bypass the Bundestag in the legislative process for a limited period. This mechanism serves as a tool for the Chancellor to discipline their parliamentary support or, as has occurred in four instances (1972, 1982, 2005, 2024), to deliberately trigger new elections by intentionally losing the vote.

Constructive Votes of No Confidence in the Bundestag

Date	Proposed Candidate (Party)	Incumbent Chancellor (Party)	Yes-votes	No-votes	Abstentions	Absent / void	Necessary majority	Result
27 April 1972	Rainer Barzel (CDU)	Willy Brandt (SPD)	247	10	3	236	249	Motion failed
1 October 1982	Helmut Kohl (CDU)	Helmut Schmidt (SPD)	256	235	4	2	249	Motion successful

The Vice Chancellor

Role and Succession

The Chancellor is constitutionally mandated to appoint one of the cabinet ministers as Vice Chancellor (Article 69.1 Basic Law). The primary function of the Vice Chancellor is to deputize for the Chancellor in their absence or if they are unable to perform their duties. While the Chancellor theoretically has full discretion in this appointment, in the context of coalition governments, the leader of the second-largest coalition party typically nominates one of their ministers for this position, which the Chancellor then formally appoints.

Acting Chancellor

In the event that the Chancellor's term ends or they resign, the Bundestag must elect a new Chancellor. The President of Germany may request the outgoing Chancellor to remain in an acting capacity until a successor is elected. However, if the former Chancellor is unwilling or unable to do so, the President has the authority to appoint the Vice Chancellor as acting Chancellor. This occurred once in German history: following Chancellor Willy Brandt's resignation in 1974 due to the Guillaume espionage affair, Vice Chancellor Walter Scheel was appointed acting Chancellor and served for nine days until Helmut Schmidt's election. Notably, Ludwig Erhard, Willy Brandt, and Olaf Scholz are the three individuals who have held both the office of Vice Chancellor and Chancellor.

Vice Chancellors of the Federal Republic of Germany (1949–Present)

CDU SPD FDP Alliance 90/The Greens

Portrait	Name (Birth–Death)	Term of office		Political party	Cabinet	Portfolio
Portrait	Name (Birth–Death)	Term	Time in office	Political party	Cabinet	Portfolio
1	Franz Blücher (1896–1959)	20 September 1949 – 29 October 1957	8 years, 30 days	FDP	Adenauer I Adenauer II	Marshall Plan/Economic Cooperation
2	Ludwig Erhard (1897–1977)	29 October 1957 – 16 October 1963	5 years, 362 days	CDU	Adenauer III Adenauer IV	Economic Affairs
3	Erich Mende (1916–1998)	17 October 1963 – 28 October 1966	3 years, 10 days	FDP	Erhard I Erhard II	Intra-German Relations
The office was vacant from 28 October to 8 November 1966.
4	Hans-Christoph Seebohm (1903–1967)	8 November 1966 – 1 December 1966	23 days	CDU	Erhard II	Transport
5	Willy Brandt (1913–1992)	1 December 1966 – 22 October 1969	2 years, 325 days	SPD	Kiesinger	Foreign Affairs
6	Walter Scheel (1919–2016)	22 October 1969 – 16 May 1974	4 years, 207 days	FDP	Brandt I Brandt II	Foreign Affairs
7	Hans-Dietrich Genscher (1927–2016) 1st term	17 May 1974 – 17 September 1982	8 years, 123 days	FDP	Schmidt I Schmidt II Schmidt III	Foreign Affairs
8	Egon Franke (1913–1995)	17 September 1982 – 1 October 1982	14 days	SPD	Schmidt III	Intra-German Relations
The office was vacant from 1 October to 4 October 1982.
9	Hans-Dietrich Genscher (1927–2016) 2nd term	4 October 1982 – 18 May 1992	9 years, 230 days	FDP	Kohl I Kohl II Kohl III Kohl IV	Foreign Affairs
10	Jürgen Möllemann (1945–2003)	18 May 1992 – 21 January 1993	249 days	FDP	Kohl IV	Economic Affairs
11	Klaus Kinkel (1936–2019)	21 January 1993 – 27 October 1998	5 years, 279 days	FDP	Kohl IV Kohl V	Foreign Affairs
12	Joschka Fischer (b. 1948)	27 October 1998 – 22 November 2005	7 years, 26 days	Alliance 90/The Greens	Schröder I Schröder II	Foreign Affairs
13	Franz Müntefering (b. 1940)	22 November 2005 – 21 November 2007	1 year, 364 days	SPD	Merkel I	Labour and Social Affairs
14	Frank-Walter Steinmeier (b. 1956)	21 November 2007 – 27 October 2009	1 year, 340 days	SPD	Merkel I	Foreign Affairs
15	Guido Westerwelle (1961–2016)	27 October 2009 – 16 May 2011	1 year, 201 days	FDP	Merkel II	Foreign Affairs
16	Philipp Rösler (b. 1973)	16 May 2011 – 17 December 2013	2 years, 215 days	FDP	Merkel II	Economic Affairs
17	Sigmar Gabriel (b. 1959)	17 December 2013 – 14 March 2018	4 years, 87 days	SPD	Merkel III	Economic Affairs (2013–2017) Foreign Affairs (2017–2018)
18	Olaf Scholz (b. 1958)	14 March 2018 – 8 December 2021	3 years, 269 days	SPD	Merkel IV	Finance
19	Robert Habeck (b. 1969)	8 December 2021 – 6 May 2025	3 years, 149 days	Alliance 90/The Greens	Scholz	Economic Affairs and Climate Protection
20	Lars Klingbeil (b. 1978)	6 May 2025 – Incumbent	149 days	SPD	Merz	Finance

Official Residence

Federal Chancellery, Berlin

Since 2001, the primary official seat of the Chancellor of Germany has been the Federal Chancellery (Bundeskanzleramt) in Berlin. This modern architectural landmark serves as both the Chancellor's office and a symbol of governmental power in the capital. Its design reflects transparency and efficiency, embodying the contemporary German political landscape.

Palais Schaumburg, Bonn

The historic Palais Schaumburg in Bonn, the former capital of West Germany, now functions as a secondary official seat for the Chancellor. This elegant building holds significant historical importance, having served as the main Federal Chancellery for decades after World War II. It represents a tangible link to the early years of the Federal Republic and its foundational leaders.

Schloss Meseberg, Country Retreat

For official retreats and cabinet meetings requiring a more secluded and reflective environment, the Chancellor utilizes Schloss Meseberg, located in the state of Brandenburg. This baroque palace provides a distinguished setting for high-level discussions and diplomatic engagements away from the bustling capital, offering a blend of historical grandeur and modern functionality.

Salary and Address

Remuneration

As the holder of the third-highest state office in Germany, the Chancellor receives a substantial annual remuneration. As of 2020, the Chancellor's salary amounts to €220,000 per annum, supplemented by an additional €22,000 bonus. This compensation structure is determined by specific federal laws, including the Federal Law on Ministers (Bundesministergesetz) and the Federal Law on Salaries of Officers (Bundesbesoldungsgesetz), reflecting the significant responsibilities and demands of the office.

Formal Address

The appropriate style of address for the Chancellor in German is Herr Bundeskanzler for a male Chancellor and Frau Bundeskanzlerin for a female Chancellor. In formal international correspondence and diplomatic contexts, the Chancellor is accorded the distinguished title of "His/Her Excellency the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany" (Seine/Ihre Exzellenz der Bundeskanzler/die Bundeskanzlerin der Bundesrepublik Deutschland), signifying their esteemed position on the global stage.

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References

Michael Kotulla: Deutsche Verfassungsgeschichte. Vom Alten Reich bis Weimar (1495â1934). Springer, Berlin 2008, p. 544.

. WILLY BRANDT QUITS POST IN WAKE OF SPY SCANDAL; ASKS SCHEEL TO TAKE OVER

A full list of references for this article are available at the Chancellor of Germany Wikipedia page

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This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not official governmental or legal advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consulting official German government publications, legal experts, or political scientists for specific inquiries regarding the German chancellorship or political system. Always refer to authoritative sources and consult with qualified professionals for precise and current information. Never disregard official information because of something you have read on this website.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

The German Chancellorship

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview ℹ️

🏛️ Head of Government

🗳️ Election and Appointment

👤 Incumbency and Legacy

Historical Evolution 📜

👑 Imperial Roots (Pre-1867)

unification North German Confederation & Empire (1867–1918)

⚖️ Weimar Republic (1919–1933)

totalitarian Nazi Germany (1933–1945)

Modern Chancellorship (1949–Present) 🇩🇪

💪 Chancellor Democracy

🤝 Party Leadership and Influence

📋 Cabinet Composition and Principles

Federal Chancellors (1949–Present) 👨‍💼

Election Process 🗳️

📜 Constitutional Mandate

📊 Three-Phase Voting

First Voting Phase

Second Voting Phase

Third Voting Phase

Confidence Mechanisms 🤝

🛡️ Constructive Vote of No Confidence

⚖️ Motion of Confidence

Constructive Votes of No Confidence in the Bundestag

The Vice Chancellor 👥

🔄 Role and Succession

temporary Acting Chancellor

Vice Chancellors of the Federal Republic of Germany (1949–Present)

Official Residence 🏠

📍 Federal Chancellery, Berlin

🏛️ Palais Schaumburg, Bonn

🌳 Schloss Meseberg, Country Retreat

Salary and Address 💰

💶 Remuneration

🗣️ Formal Address

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

Head of Government

Election and Appointment

Incumbency and Legacy

Historical Evolution

Imperial Roots (Pre-1867)

North German Confederation & Empire (1867–1918)

Weimar Republic (1919–1933)

Nazi Germany (1933–1945)

Modern Chancellorship (1949–Present)

Chancellor Democracy

Party Leadership and Influence

Cabinet Composition and Principles

Federal Chancellors (1949–Present)

Election Process

Constitutional Mandate

Three-Phase Voting

Confidence Mechanisms

Constructive Vote of No Confidence

Motion of Confidence

The Vice Chancellor

Role and Succession

Acting Chancellor

Official Residence

Federal Chancellery, Berlin

Palais Schaumburg, Bonn

Schloss Meseberg, Country Retreat

Salary and Address

Remuneration

Formal Address

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice