Germany calls early elections as government loses confidence
The President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, has dissolved the Bundestag and announced early elections for February 23, 2025. He accepted the request of Chancellor Olaf Scholz, whose minority government did not receive a vote of confidence.
The German president, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, decided to dissolve the Bundestag, leading to early parliamentary elections scheduled for February 23, 2025. This decision was made at the request of Chancellor Olaf Scholz, whose minority government failed to secure a vote of confidence on December 16.
"In difficult times like these, stability requires a government capable of action and a credible majority in parliament," Steinmeier stated in Berlin, justifying his decision.
Given the vote of confidence, the current government no longer holds a majority. During discussions, however, I could not identify a majority for a government with a different composition. Therefore, I am convinced that new elections are now the best path forward for the good of our country," said Steinmeier, quoted by the dpa agency.
The President of Germany also assured that until the new Bundestag is constituted, the parliament will continue its work. "The upcoming weeks must be focused on finding the best solutions for the challenges of our times," assessed President Steinmeier.
Political earthquake in Germany
The ruling coalition, made up of the SPD, the Greens, and the FDP, disbanded in early November after nearly three years of joint governance. The conflict between the parties was primarily about the budget deficit and how to finance it.
On December 16, the Bundestag voted on the confidence motion for Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government but, as predicted, Scholz did not receive the required majority in parliament. He then turned to Steinmeier to request the dissolution of the Bundestag and to set the stage for new elections.
According to a survey by the Insa centre, which the German publication "Bild" reported on recently, up to 64 percent of Germans view the dissolution of the ruling coalition positively. More than half of those surveyed supported early parliamentary elections being held as soon as possible.
The date for the early Bundestag elections, February 23, was previously agreed upon by the leaders of the SPD and Christian Democratic parliamentary groups. According to the Basic Law, the President of Germany can dissolve the Bundestag within 21 days at the Federal Chancellor's request if the head of the German government does not obtain a vote of confidence. After dissolving parliament, new elections must be held within 60 days.
Early elections could significantly impact the future political landscape in Germany. German media emphasize the historic nature of this situation. The disbandment of the coalition and the lack of a vote of confidence in Scholz's government highlight the need for a new balance of power in the Bundestag.
