Early elections are expected to be held in Germany on February 23.

After the collapse of the government in Germany, the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Greens, and the main opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU/CSU) parties have agreed to hold early elections on February 23, 2025.

In Germany, following the dissolution of the coalition government formed by the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Green Party, and the Free Democratic Party (FDP), which is referred to as the ‘traffic light coalition’ due to its colors, attention has turned to early elections. According to German media, the parliamentary groups of the Social Democratic Party, the Green Party, and the conservative Christian Union in the opposition (CDU/CSU) have agreed to hold early elections on February 23. However, the election date needs to be approved by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

Vote of confidence may take place on December 16

In order for early elections to take place, Chancellor Olaf Scholz must first request a vote of confidence from the Federal Diet (Bundestag). If the Chancellor fails to obtain the vote of confidence, the President must dissolve the Diet within 21 days, and elections must be held within 60 days. It is noted that the vote of confidence may take place on December 16.

The government has collapsed

Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz had dismissed the Free Democratic Party (FDP) Minister of Finance Christian Lindner last week after a prolonged disagreement on how to cover the billions of euros in budget deficits. The coalition government collapsed as the FDP withdrew its ministers from the government. The SPD, FDP, and Greens had been in power together since 2021.