Germany faces ballot paper shortage that may delay snap elections
Germany may face challenges in holding early elections due to a shortage of paper for ballots, according to the head of the electoral commission. Ruth Brand highlighted difficulties in procuring paper and warned against scheduling elections too soon after the holiday season. Chancellor Olaf Scholz has faced pressure to call a snap election sooner than planned. He initially aimed for a vote in late March but is now considering January or March, depending on legislative support from opposition parties. The German electoral law requires a vote of confidence loss for early elections. Scholz's coalition government collapsed recently, leading to calls for a swift election amid concerns about the stability of the government.