Germany Sets February 23 for Snap Election Following Coalition Collapse

President Steinmeier dissolves parliament after Chancellor Scholz's coalition government falls, triggering a pivotal election for Germany's political future.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier officially dissolved the Bundestag, scheduling a snap election for February 23, 2025, following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's three-party coalition in November.
The coalition's breakdown was sparked by disputes over economic policy, including Scholz's push to loosen debt restrictions, which clashed with the fiscal conservatism of the Free Democratic Party (FDP).
Polling suggests the conservative CDU, led by Friedrich Merz, is leading with 31% support, while the far-right AfD has surged to 19%, raising concerns about a potential political shift to the right.
Berlin is preparing for the election under heightened scrutiny after past electoral mishaps, with measures in place to ensure smooth execution, including temporary closures of some municipal offices to support election logistics.
Key campaign issues include Germany's struggling economy, migration, and national security, with recent events like the Magdeburg Christmas market attack intensifying political debates.