Germany is set to conduct early elections on February 23, 2025, after Chancellor Olaf Scholz lost a confidence vote in parliament.

This development comes as Scholz’s coalition faced significant turmoil, culminating in its collapse.

In the recent vote, Scholz garnered support from only 207 out of 733 lawmakers in the Bundestag, falling short of the 367 votes needed for a majority.

The crisis intensified after Finance Minister Christian Lindner was dismissed in November, leading to the exit of the pro-business Free Democrats from the coalition.

As a result, Scholz’s center-left Social Democrats (SPD) and the Greens will continue to govern without parliamentary backing until a new government is established.

The political instability follows months of discord over fiscal strategies and spending priorities.

Scholz, who previously served as mayor of Hamburg and finance minister, has framed the upcoming election as a critical choice for voters—between investment for growth and austerity.

If re-elected, he promises to focus on improving Germany’s infrastructure without implementing budget cuts.

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Meanwhile, Friedrich Merz, leader of the conservative Christian Democratic Union, is poised to challenge Scholz, with polls indicating a lead for his party.

The rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) further complicates the political landscape, as mainstream parties refuse to collaborate with them.

In the lead-up to the elections, Scholz has proposed urgent measures, including tax cuts and increased child benefits, to stabilize his government ahead of the vote.