Germany sets early election date for February as coalition collapses

Germany's major political parties have agreed to hold early elections on February 23, 2025, following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's three-party coalition. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has endorsed this timeline as "realistic." Scholz is expected to call a vote of confidence in mid-December, which he is likely to lose. This will prompt Steinmeier to decide on dissolving parliament and confirming the election date. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) plans to hold its national conference in January to prepare for the elections. Current polling shows the AfD's support has risen to about 17%.