German President dissolves parliament to prepare for early elections

(CLO) President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Friday dissolved the German Parliament to officially pave the way for early elections on February 23, following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's three-party ruling coalition.

"Especially in difficult times like these, stability requires a government capable of action and a trustworthy majority in parliament," which is why early elections are the right solution for Germany, Mr Steinmeier said in Berlin.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Photo: GI

The German president, whose post has been largely ceremonial in the post-war period, also called for the election campaign to be conducted in a fair and transparent manner.

Mr Scholz, a Social Democrat who will lead the caretaker government until a new one is formed, failed to survive a confidence vote in parliament earlier this month.

Earlier, the resignation of Finance Minister Christian Lindner of the Free Democratic Party (FDP) caused his ruling coalition to lose its majority in the German legislature.

The vote of confidence also officially kicks off the election campaign in Germany, with conservative candidate Friedrich Merz seen by polls as likely to replace Mr Scholz.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz and conservative leader Friedrich Merz. Photo: GI

The conservative CDU/CSU coalition has a large lead of more than 10 percentage points over the Social Democrats (SPD) in most polls. The far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) is even slightly ahead of the SPD, while the Greens, a coalition partner, are in fourth place.

The mainstream parties have refused to cooperate with the AfD, but its presence complicates the situation. It will make it harder to form a new governing coalition after the upcoming early elections.

President Steinmeier in his Christmas speech called on Germans to unite as the country faces many challenges, including the attack on a Christmas market in Magdeburg and upcoming elections.

Bui Huy (according to DW, Reuters, Bild)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/tong-thong-duc-giai-tan-quoc-hoi-chinh-thuc-bau-cu-som-post327899.html