Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government was removed from power following a no-confidence vote in Germany’s parliament, setting the stage for snap elections on February 23, 2025. The vote caps weeks of political infighting and economic turmoil that have gripped Europe’s largest economy.
The Bundestag voted 394 to 207 to oust Scholz, with 116 lawmakers abstaining. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is now expected to dissolve the parliament, forcing an early election nine months ahead of schedule.
BREAKING: The German Socialist Government collapsed due to excessive debt and overspending on Green Energy – which ultimately chased major energy-producing companies out of the country.
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Scholz’s downfall stems from the collapse of his coalition government, made up of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Greens and the Free Democratic Party (FDP). Tensions reached a breaking point when Scholz fired Finance Minister Christian Lindner, the FDP leader, leading to the party’s exit from the coalition.
Germany’s economy remains the central issue, as high energy costs and stagnant growth continue to frustrate voters. Scholz, who has led the government since December 2021, has seen his approval ratings plunge, with polls showing the SPD trailing far behind Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU).
Adding to the political uncertainty is the rise of the right-wing Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), which has steadily gained support among disillusioned voters. While mainstream parties reject any coalition with the AfD, some analysts believe its growing popularity could disrupt Germany’s political landscape after February’s election.
Germany now faces a contentious election campaign, with the results likely to shape the country’s future leadership and economic direction.