German opposition supports snap election after coalition collapse

German opposition leaders welcomed the announcement of a snap election on February 23, 2025, following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition last week. This election date is earlier than previously planned. A confidence vote in the Bundestag is set for December 16, ahead of Scholz's original January 15 proposal. This change aims to facilitate a compromise between the Social Democrats and the opposition Christian Democrats. Other opposition parties support the earlier election, emphasizing the need for a functioning government. Some, like the far-right AfD, are calling for an even sooner vote of confidence.