BERLIN, Germany (AP) — German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier announced on Friday the dissolution of parliament and the scheduling of new elections for Feb. 23 following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition. The move comes in the aftermath of Scholz’s minority government losing a confidence vote last month, triggered by the disintegration of his three-party coalition on Nov. 6. The dissolution was deemed necessary as consultations with political leaders revealed a lack of agreement on a majority for a new government within the current parliament.
Steinmeier emphasized the importance of stability during challenging times, stating, “It is precisely in difficult times like these that stability requires a government capable of taking action and a reliable majority in parliament.” The decision to dissolve parliament and call for elections falls within Steinmeier’s constitutional authority, with the election date agreed upon by major party leaders being seven months earlier than originally planned.
Concerns about external interference in the upcoming election were raised by Steinmeier, citing examples from recent events in other countries. The campaign for the upcoming election is already underway, with polls indicating a lead for the conservative Union bloc over Scholz’s party. Key issues for the election include immigration, economic revitalization, and support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
The upcoming election is expected to yield a coalition government, as no party is projected to secure an absolute majority. The populist Alternative for Germany party, polling strongly, has nominated Alice Weidel as its candidate for chancellor, although the party faces challenges in forming alliances due to its anti-immigration stance. The election marks only the fourth time in post-World War II Germany that the Bundestag has been dissolved ahead of schedule, reflecting the country’s complex political landscape.
