German President Dissolves Parliament, Paves Way for New Elections

berlin - German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has dissolved the parliament (the Bundestag), clearing the way for new elections.

Steinmeier stated during the announcement that 'political stability is a precious asset.' The president emphasized the need for stability and a government with a reliable majority in parliament, especially in challenging times like the present.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) had previously requested a vote of confidence from the Bundestag earlier this month after his 'Ampelkoalition' [traffic light coalition] of SPD, the Greens, and the FDP collapsed in November after about three years. Scholz did not secure the majority needed for his motion.

Subsequently, Scholz asked Steinmeier to dissolve the Bundestag to pave the way for new elections. The president confirmed that elections will be held on February 23. This date had been circulating as the likely election date earlier.

The upcoming elections pose a tough challenge for Scholz, who is running as the candidate for his party again. The SPD is currently third in most polls, with the Christian Democratic CDU, led by Friedrich Merz, holding a more than ten-point lead. The far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) follows in second place.