German president dissolves parliament, sets election date
The announcement comes as Germany is confronted with intensified security concerns after a recent deadly car-ramming incident at a Christmas market, which has deepened national debates over immigration and security policies.
Dec. 27, 2024
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – On Friday, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier formally dissolved parliament and set Feb. 23 as the date for early elections, following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition government last month amid economic disputes.
The announcement comes as Germany is confronted with intensified security concerns after a recent deadly car-ramming incident at a Christmas market, which has deepened national debates over immigration and security policies.
In his address, President Steinmeier underlined the significance of upholding political stability and urged for a campaign marked by "respect and decency."
He expressly cautioned against foreign interference, in particular on social media platform X, and highlighted that hatred, violence, and intimidation have no place in the democratic process.
The president emphasized the immense challenges awaiting the next government, including economic instability, ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, immigration concerns, and climate change issues.
Scholz, whose coalition government was brought down because of internal disagreements over economic revival strategies, will continue serving as caretaker chancellor until a new government is formed - a process that could extend several months beyond the February election.
The early election signifies a critical juncture for Europe's largest economy as it wrestles with several domestic and international challenges amid growing political polarization.
