Germany is set to hold early elections on February 23, 2025, following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government. The Bundestag passed a vote of no confidence against Scholz, with 394 votes in favor, 207 against, and 116 abstentions. This development comes nine months ahead of the scheduled parliamentary elections.
The dissolution of the government was precipitated by the breakdown of Scholz’s three-party coalition, comprising the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Greens, and the Free Democratic Party (FDP). Tensions peaked when Scholz dismissed Finance Minister Christian Lindner, the FDP leader, over disagreements on economic revival strategies. Lindner’s departure led the FDP to exit the coalition, leaving the government without a parliamentary majority.