German President dissolves parliament, sets early election date

On December 27, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier announced the dissolution of parliament and that the country would hold early elections on February 23, 2025.

Reuters reported that in a speech on December 27, President Steinmeier said: “Especially in difficult times like these, it is necessary to have a government that is capable of action and enjoys the trust of parliament to maintain stability. That is why early elections are the right decision for Germany.”

Mr. Steinmeier also called for a fair and transparent election, noting the threats from external forces that could influence the election.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier speaks on December 27.

Berlin officials began considering plans for early elections after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz lost a no-confidence vote he himself initiated in parliament on December 16. This resulted in Scholz losing his position and he is now leading an interim government until a new cabinet is formed.

Trouble arose for Scholz's government after the Free Democratic Party (FDP) of former Finance Minister Christian Lindner withdrew from the ruling coalition due to disagreements over economic policy, leaving Scholz's faction without a majority in parliament.

Polls indicate that conservative candidate Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), is expected to replace Chancellor Scholz. The CDU is also leading Scholz's Social Democratic Party (SPD) by more than 10 percentage points in several polls. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is also slightly ahead of the SPD, while the Green Party is in fourth place.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tong-thong-duc-giai-tan-quoc-hoi-an-dinh-ngay-bau-cu-som-185241227200046604.htm