German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier dissolved parliament on Friday and confirmed that the early general election will take place on February 23, 2025, following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government last month.
The downfall of Scholz’s coalition government was due to internal conflicts over strategies to revive Europe’s largest economy. Additionally, a deadly car-ramming attack at a Christmas market last week reignited heated debates in the country over security and immigration policies.
In announcing the election date, Steinmeier stressed the importance of “political stability” and called for the campaign to be conducted with “respect and decency.” He emphasized the need for a fair and transparent electoral process, warning of the risks posed by “foreign influence,” particularly on the social media platform X, owned by billionaire Elon Musk. “Hatred and violence must have no place in this election campaign, nor should there be any denigration or intimidation… all of this poisons democracy,” Steinmeier stated.
He also reminded political parties and voters of the significant challenges the next government will face, citing the “economically unstable situation” in Germany, the ongoing wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, as well as critical debates surrounding immigration and climate change.
Scholz will remain as caretaker chancellor until a new government is formed, which could take several months.
