Germany schedules snap election for February 23 after coalition collapse
Germany will hold a snap election on February 23, 2024, following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition government. The decision was made by the main political parties to restore stability amid economic challenges and geopolitical tensions. Scholz's Social Democrats and the conservative Christian Democrats agreed on an early election timetable. Scholz will seek a vote of confidence on December 16, which he is expected to lose, leading to the dissolution of parliament. The election will take place during winter, which may affect voter turnout. The CDU is currently leading in polls, while the far-right Alternative for Germany party is also gaining support, complicating future coalition possibilities.