<h1>Political Gridlock: Conservative Chancellor Candidate Falls Short of Votes in Historic First-Round Election Attempt</h1> German lawmakers are preparing for a second vote to elect a new chancellor after the conservative leader failed to secure a majority in the first round. The candidate narrowly missed the required votes, marking an unprecedented setback in post-war German political history. The vote occurs amid significant national challenges, including economic concerns, defense spending, and geopolitical tensions. If unsuccessful in subsequent rounds, alternative constitutional procedures may be triggered to resolve the leadership selection.