English Section
Polskie Radio English Section Foreign

Germany's Bundestag rejects confidence vote for Chancellor Scholz

16.12.2024 16:50
The decision paves the way for early parliamentary elections in February 2025, as intended by the German leader.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz attends the meeting of the German Bundestag on the vote of confidence in the Chancellor, in Berlin, Germany, 16 December 2024. Scholz has submitted a motion for a vote of confidence in the German Bundestag to pave the way for new elections.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz attends the meeting of the German Bundestag on the vote of confidence in the Chancellor, in Berlin, Germany, 16 December 2024. Scholz has submitted a motion for a vote of confidence in the German Bundestag to pave the way for new elections. HANNIBAL HANSCHKE/PAP/EPA

In a vote of confidence, 349 members of the Bundestag rejected Chancellor Scholz's proposal, while 207 lawmakers supported him, and 116 abstained.

Scholz announced that he would immediately ask President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to dissolve the Bundestag, with the president having until January 6 to make a decision.

Steinmeier had previously indicated his willingness to call for early elections, which are now scheduled for February 23, seven months ahead of the original date.

The coalition government led by Scholz lost its majority after the resignation of Finance Minister Christian Lindner in November, and the failed vote of confidence is the constitutionally required step to trigger early elections.

Source: IAR/PAP/X/@SkyNews

(m p)