Social Democrat Olaf Scholz has been sworn in as the new Bundeskanzler (Chancellor) of the Federal Republic of Germany in the Bundestag. It is the ninth since 1949
. After this morning's election to Parliament, and the appointment of Head of State Frank-Walter Steinmeier, this is the crucial moment of the morning, which
opens a new era for Germany after 16 years of Angela Meerkel's chancellorship.
Scholz is expected again at the castle of Bellevue, the German Quirinal, this time with all his ministers. The handover to the chancery is scheduled at 3pm.
Social Democrat Scholz was elected Chancellor by the Bundestag with 395 votes
.
At 63, Scholz becomes the fourth SPD chancellor after Willy Brandt, Helmut Schmidt and Gerhard Schroeder.
Scholz will lead the so-called "Semaforo" coalition, made up of the SPD, the Greens and the Liberals after winning the elections on September 26th.
After 16 years in government, the Union (CDU-CSU) will go to the opposition.
A long applause with ovation greeted Angela Merkel in the Bundestag.
