Scholz Calls Confidence Vote After FDP Exit; Elections Set for February 23, 2025

Dec 16, 2024, 01:30 PM

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called a confidence vote in the Bundestag today, following the collapse of his coalition government after the Free Democratic Party (FDP) left the alliance. He is expected to lose the vote, which would lead to the dissolution of parliament and trigger snap federal elections scheduled for February 23, 2025. In his speech before the vote, Scholz criticized former Finance Minister Christian Lindner, accusing him of lacking "moral maturity." He called for massive new investments in infrastructure and defense, promising to lower taxes on groceries and raise the minimum wage to boost economic growth. Opposition leader Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) criticized Scholz for inaction and disrespect, as Germany faces economic challenges including high inflation and a faltering economy.