Germany Prepares for February Bundestag Election After Government Collapse
The snap election was called following Chancellor Olaf Scholz's failed confidence vote, with logistical challenges arising from the accelerated timeline.
- Bundestag elections will take place on February 23, 2025, after Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) lost a confidence vote in December, prompting the dissolution of parliament.
- Election preparations are underway, including adjustments for winter conditions and extended hours for early voting and mail-in ballot facilities in cities like Bottrop.
- Approximately 85,600 election notifications have been sent to voters in Bottrop, with February 2 set as the deadline for receiving them; voters can contact local authorities if they do not receive theirs by this date.
- Auslandsdeutsche (Germans living abroad) face tight deadlines to register and return their ballots, with officials urging them to act quickly due to the shortened preparation period.
- The election will operate under Germany's reformed electoral laws aimed at reducing the size of the Bundestag, potentially impacting which candidates secure seats.
Sächsische Zeitung 
Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung 
Augsburger Allgemeine 
Die Tageszeitung 
FOCUS online 
Süddeutsche Zeitung 
Stern 