Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has dissolved parliament, confirming snap elections for February 23 amidst rising turmoil and instability. Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who lost a confidence vote earlier this month, will act as caretaker chancellor until a new government is formed.
The decision comes after the collapse of Scholz’s government due to the departure of Finance Minister Christian Lindner’s Free Democrats, leaving the governing coalition without a legislative majority. The country is reeling from a deadly car-ramming attack at a Christmas market last week, which has revived debate over security and immigration.
A snap election will determine the future of German politics, with conservative challenger Friedrich Merz leading the polls. Mainstream parties have refused to govern with the far-right Alternative for Germany party (AfD), but its presence complicates parliamentary arithmetic, making shaky coalitions more likely.
Steinmeier emphasized in his speech that “hatred and violence must have no place” in the election campaign and called for a fair and transparent process. The president warned of “foreign influence” and reminded parties and voters of the challenges the next government will face, including economic instability and debates over immigration and climate change.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/12/27/german-president-dissolves-parliament-confirming-february-election