On November 30, 2022, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier dissolved Germany’s lower house of parliament, initiating snap elections on February 23 due to the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition government. Steinmeier emphasized the need for a stable, action-capable government during challenging times and urged for a fair electoral process, warning against external influences on democracy. Following a confidence vote loss, Scholz now leads a caretaker government, while conservative challenger Friedrich Merz, ahead in polls, criticizes the current administration’s regulations. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) complicates coalition dynamics, with mainstream parties refusing partnerships with them.
