Germany to hold snap elections on February 23 after coalition collapse

Germany will hold snap elections on February 23 after the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s three-party coalition. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier supports this timeline, which follows a compromise between the ruling Social Democrats and the conservative opposition. The coalition fell apart last week due to disagreements over economic policies, leading to the departure of the Free Democratic Party. Scholz is expected to lose a confidence vote on December 16, prompting the election timeline. The conservative CDU/CSU alliance currently leads in polls, while the far-right Alternative for Germany party is gaining support. Campaigning will take place during winter, which may affect voter turnout.