German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is set to request a vote of confidence in his government on December 16, as reported by German media outlets. This move is expected to lead to a new parliamentary election as early as February, well ahead of the original schedule.
The decision to seek a vote of confidence in the Bundestag comes following the collapse of Scholz's three-party coalition last week. Scholz, representing the Social Democrats, aims to find common ground with the main opposition party, the center-right Christian conservatives.
Scholz had initially planned to call for a vote of confidence on January 15, with a potential election in March. However, the recent developments have expedited the process, with the vote now likely to take place before Christmas.
In a statement to public broadcaster ARD, Scholz expressed his willingness to proceed with the confidence vote earlier than planned and emphasized his commitment to any agreements reached with his political counterparts.
The exact date for the election, possibly set for February 16 or February 23, will be determined by German President Franz-Walter Steinmeier.
Following the dismissal of Finance Minister Christian Lindner from the Free Democrats party, Scholz announced his intention to govern with a minority government, alongside the environmentalist Greens. He is seeking support from the Christian Democrats, led by Friedrich Merz, to pass crucial legislation and address budgetary concerns for 2025.
Merz has opposed Scholz's proposal to delay the confidence vote until January, indicating a sense of urgency in the current political climate. If the government fails to secure the vote of confidence, President Steinmeier has the authority to dissolve the Bundestag within 21 days and call for a new election.
