Scholz to seek vote of confidence on December 16 ahead of early elections in Germany

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced he will seek a vote of confidence on December 16, following the collapse of his coalition government. This move sets the stage for early parliamentary elections on February 23, 2024. The coalition, which included Scholz's Social Democrats, the Free Democrats, and the Greens, fell apart after Scholz dismissed Finance Minister Christian Lindner. Scholz's party will lead a minority government until the vote. Four candidates are expected to run for chancellor in February. Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democrats is currently leading in polls, while Scholz's Social Democrats are in third place. Key campaign issues will include the economy and migration control.