German president dissolves parliament and announces February election date

euronews (in English)

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier was requested to dissolve parliament by Chancellor Olaf Scholz after the leader's ruling coalition collapsed.

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00:00German President Steinmeier has officially dissolved parliament, clearing the path for

00:09Germany's early snap election to take place on February the 23rd.

00:14Steinmeier underlined that stability is most important for Germany and said the new elections

00:19are the right way for the country.

00:21The Ampel coalition will continue to govern until a new government is elected, which will

00:25have a big task ahead of them, Steinmeier said.

00:28Steinmeier had 21 days to make this decision after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz lost a

00:33vote of confidence as intended following the collapse of the Ampel coalition just hours

00:38after US President Donald Trump was voted in for a second term.

00:42The election campaign is likely to be intense, with disillusion amongst Germans growing following

00:47mounting concerns about security and safety after a busy Christmas market was attacked

00:52last week and amid a weakened economy.

00:55Although experts predict a CDU-SPD coalition government to be formed with Friedrich Merz

01:00as Chancellor, coalition discussions in Germany can take months.

01:05Liv Stroud, in Berlin, for Euronews.

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