German President to Decide on Bundestag Dissolution After Holidays
President Steinmeier will announce on December 27 whether to dissolve parliament following Chancellor Scholz's failed confidence vote.
- Chancellor Olaf Scholz lost a confidence vote in the Bundestag on December 16, prompting discussions on potential new elections.
- President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has been consulting with parliamentary leaders to assess the feasibility of forming a stable government.
- Steinmeier is expected to announce his decision on December 27, as allowed under Article 68 of the German Constitution.
- If the Bundestag is dissolved, new elections must occur within 60 days, with February 23 being the likely date agreed upon by major parties.
- The decision follows the collapse of the 'traffic light' coalition after the FDP's departure, leaving Scholz to lead a minority government.