German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will face a confidence vote on December 16, paving the way for an early general election in February, the leader of Scholz's Social Democrats (SPD) in parliament said on Tuesday (November 12).

Europe's largest economy was thrown into disarray last week with the collapse of Scholz's three-way coalition.

Germany's governing coalition had long been characterized by perpetual bickering and very little progress. Ultimately, Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Finance Minister Christian Lindner found it impossible to get along.

Friedrich Merz, the leader of the Christian democratic (CDU/CSU) opposition, is pushing for a confidence vote before Christmas.

Europe’s largest economy was thrown into disarray last week with the collapse of Scholz’s three-way coalition and disagreements over how much money the government should spend to encourage growth and support Ukraine.

BERLIN - German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Nov 10 that he would be willing to call a vote of confidence in Parliament before Christmas, a move that would pave the way for snap elections following the collapse of his three-way governing coalition.

Germany's embattled Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Sunday he would be ready to ask for a confidence vote this year to pave the way for snap elections.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is under increasing pressure from rival parties to accelerate plans for a general election, with conservative opposition leader Friedrich Merz calling for a crucial vote to set the process going as early as Wednesday.

The decision follows the Free Democrats’ exit from the coalition, leaving Chancellor Olaf Scholz without a majority.

The German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has announced a vote of confidence in his government following the coalition's collapse. This move could pave the way for early parliamentary elections, which pose significant political and organisational challenges.