German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier officially dissolved the Bundestag on Friday, setting the stage for early elections on February 23, 2025, following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition government.

The dissolution comes after Scholz lost a confidence vote on December 16, triggered by the departure of Finance Minister Christian Lindner's Free Democrats from the ruling coalition in November. The split occurred amid disagreements over the 2025 budget, tax allocation, and economic stimulus measures.

'In difficult times like these, stability requires a government capable of taking action and reliable majorities in parliament,' Steinmeier stated during his announcement, emphasizing the importance of political stability in Germany.

The early election represents a significant shift in German politics, with current polling suggesting strong support for the conservative opposition. Friedrich Merz's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) appears positioned to potentially lead the next government, though coalition partnerships would likely be necessary.

The upcoming campaign is expected to focus on several critical issues facing Germany, including:

The country's economic challengesImmigration policyThe ongoing war in UkraineResponse to Middle East conflicts

This electoral process follows constitutional provisions designed to ensure political stability, reflecting Germany's commitment to maintaining democratic order even during governmental transitions.