Scholz initiated early elections in Germany: why it matters
Olaf Scholz raised the issue of confidence in the Bundestag, paving the way for early elections on February 23. The Chancellor explained that the coalition's unity is no longer possible.
Photo: FinnishGovernment, CC BY 2.0
The Federal Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz, announced early Bundestag elections to be held on February 23, as reported on the Federal Government's website.
This decision results from growing disagreements within the coalition.
Olaf Scholz addressed Bundestag members, requesting a vote of confidence, stating that his goal is to hold early elections.
Out of 717 voting parliamentarians, 394 voted against the confidence motion, 207 supported the Chancellor, and 116 abstained.
After the vote, Scholz met with Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and proposed dissolving the Bundestag.
According to the Constitution, the President has 21 days to make a decision, after which elections must be held within 60 days. The anticipated voting date is February 23, 2025.
According to Scholz, this decision is driven by critical issues, from supporting Ukraine to investing in the economy and infrastructure.
He called for energy modernization, the introduction of the "Germany Fund," and reforming budget rules. He emphasized that economic stagnation threatens the country with severe consequences.
His criticism of coalition partners, especially the liberals from the FDP, was sharp: "Politics is not a game."
The Chancellor pledged to campaign for raising the minimum wage to 15 euros, advocating for the interests of all social groups. Scholz described the election decision as "a necessary step for the country's future."
Earlier, it was reported that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, in a conversation with Vladimir Putin, demanded the immediate withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine and confirmed Germany's readiness to support Kyiv until a just peace is established.
It was also revealed that the FDP party demanded that the German government accelerate the delivery of Taurus missiles and other weapons to Ukraine to strengthen its defense against Russian aggression. The issue will be considered in the Bundestag.