German Chancellor Scholz defends coalition breakup, seeks opposition’s support for key laws

BERLIN

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz appealed to opposition lawmakers Wednesday for their support in passing crucial legislation ahead of early elections scheduled for February 2025.

In an address to parliament, Scholz called for cooperation among democratic parties in the face of economic and social challenges. “Let us work together for the good of the country until the new election,” he urged, emphasizing the need for compromise in the coming weeks.

The Social Democratic chancellor defended his recent decision to dismiss the liberal finance minister and end the coalition with the Free Democrats (FDP), describing it as “right and inevitable” due to persistent differences.

Scholz expressed satisfaction with the agreement reached among democratic parliamentary groups regarding the process for new elections. “I am very pleased that the parliamentary groups in the German Bundestag have now reached an agreement on how new elections can take place quickly and in an orderly manner,” he said.

The chancellor outlined his plans to initiate the early election process, set for February 23, as agreed with the opposition Christian Democrats. “I will do my part to ensure that this is possible,” Scholz stated. He announced his intention to request a vote of confidence on December 11, with a parliamentary decision expected on December 16.

“This will be the basis for the new elections in Germany, allowing our citizens to finally decide how things should proceed in our country,” Scholz added.

The German Constitution says early elections can be triggered if the chancellor loses a vote of confidence in parliament, or Bundestag, and the president dissolves parliament following the chancellor’s request.

• FDP
• Germany
• Olaf Scholz