German opposition welcome snap-election news after ruling coalition's collapse

German opposition leaders have welcomed news that the country is set to hold a snap election on the 23rd of February after the collapse the ruling three-party coalition last week. 

The Bundestag is expected to hold a confidence vote German Chancellor Olaf Scholz as early as December 16th following the government’s collapse.  

The December vote would come well ahead of original plans, marking a step to reach compromise between Scholz's party, the Social Democrats, and the main opposition party in parliament, Christian Merz's center-right Christian conservatives CDU. 

“We have agreed to propose to the Federal President that February 23, 2025 should be the next election date for the elections of the 21st German Bundestag,” Merz said on Tuesday. 

Scholz had previously announced that he would seek a vote of confidence on January 15th that could lead to an election as soon as March. The vote had otherwise been due next September. 

Other major opposition parties in Germany have also been receptive of the news that the snap election could be held earlier than initially anticipated. 

“For us, the primary goal was Germany needs a government capable of acting,” said CSU parliamentary group leader Alexander Dobrindt. “This needs to be achieved as quickly as possible. 

However, co-party leader of the far-right AfD Alice Weidel said the vote should be earlier and described the events unfolding as “another few days of theatre.” She said the vote of confidence should even brought even further to this very week.