German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier announced the dissolution of the 20th Bundestag and set an early election date for February 23, 2025, following the ousting of Chancellor Olaf Scholz in a no-confidence vote.

"I have decided to dissolve the 20th Bundestag and set February 23, 2025, as the date for early elections," Steinmeier declared on December 27, emphasizing the need for "political stability."

Steinmeier urged political parties to conduct their campaigns with "respect, decency, transparency, and fairness," while warning against "foreign interference," particularly on social media platforms like X, owned by billionaire Elon Musk.

"Hate, violence, defamation, or threats have no place in election campaigns. Such behaviors are poison to democracy," the president said. He also reminded political parties and voters of the significant challenges the next government will face, including economic instability, conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, debates over immigration, and climate change.

Scholz Loses Confidence Vote

The decision follows Chancellor Scholz's defeat in a no-confidence vote he initiated in the Bundestag on December 16. The vote led to Scholz’s removal as chancellor, relegating him to caretaker status until a new cabinet is formed.

Under German law, the president may dissolve parliament and call for elections if the chancellor initiates and loses a no-confidence vote.

The no-confidence vote came after the Free Democratic Party (FDP), led by Finance Minister Christian Lindner, withdrew from Scholz’s ruling coalition over economic disputes. This left Scholz leading a minority government, making it difficult to pass budget proposals.

Prospective New Leadership

Conservative candidate Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), is poised to become the next chancellor, with the conservatives holding a lead of over 10 percentage points over Scholz’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) in most polls.

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is also polling ahead of the SPD, while the Green Party, a coalition partner in the current government, is in fourth place.

(Sources: AFP, Reuters)

Hello Shuttle will strive to bring the latest updates. At the end of the day.

Are you looking for reliable airport and cruise port transfer services in Los Angeles?

We offer professional, safe, and punctual transportation from

Los Angeles Airport - LAX

Long Beach Airport - LGB

John Wayne Airport - SNA

San Pedro cruise port

Long Beach cruise port

Disneyland

and other destinations.

Let us make your journey stress-free and comfortable with our dedicated drivers and high-quality vehicles. Book now for the perfect travel experience at www.helloshuttle.com or call 944-800-5678!