German Coalition Collapse Prompts Push for Early Elections

Chancellor Olaf Scholz faces mounting pressure to hold a confidence vote before Christmas after his coalition government disintegrates.

The collapse of Olaf Scholz's coalition, comprising Social Democrats, Greens, and Liberals, has triggered calls for expedited elections.
Scholz is open to a Bundestag confidence vote by the end of the year, potentially leading to elections in early 2025.
The conservative CDU/CSU, led by Friedrich Merz, is leading in polls and pushing for a January 19 election date.
Germany's economic challenges, including energy price hikes and potential recession, heighten the urgency for a stable government.
Election officials are preparing for a possible early vote, as the political landscape shifts with conservatives in a strong position.