German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has dissolved parliament and announced new elections for February 23, following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition government. The dissolution comes after Scholz’s failed confidence vote on December 16, marking only the fourth premature end to a German government since 1949.
The breakdown of the “traffic light” coalition—comprising Scholz’s SPD, the liberal FDP, and the Greens—was triggered by Finance Minister Christian Lindner’s dismissal. Lindner’s FDP subsequently withdrew from the coalition amid disputes over the 2024 budget.
Steinmeier emphasized the need for political stability, urging parties to focus on solutions for Germany’s economic struggles, immigration issues, and the war in Ukraine during the short campaign period. Current polls show the CDU leading with 31%, followed by the far-right AfD at 19%, SPD at 15%, and the Greens at 14%.
The country is also grappling with the aftermath of a Christmas market attack in Magdeburg that killed five people. The suspect, a Saudi-born ex-Muslim critical of Islam and linked to far-right ideologies, has confounded investigators. The incident has heightened political tensions, with the AfD rallying in its wake and opponents warning against stoking societal divisions.
As Germany heads toward the polls, Steinmeier called for a campaign conducted with “respect and decency,” rejecting violence or defamation. The Bundestag will continue to function until a new government is formed.
