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German Coalition Collapse: New Elections Imminent?

Germany's ruling coalition collapsed, prompting calls for immediate elections but Chancellor Scholz intends to govern until January 2025 with a minority government. The opposition demands immediate action.

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German

Germany

PoliticsElectionsGermany German PoliticsCoalitionGovernment Crisis

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Olaf ScholzFriedrich MerzMarkus SöderChristian LindnerFrank-Walter Steinmeier

What caused the collapse of Germany's coalition government?: Germany's coalition government collapsed, leading to calls for immediate new elections. Chancellor Scholz, however, plans to continue with a minority government until January 2025, triggering strong opposition.
What will happen to the German government in the coming months?: While the FDP ministers resigned, Volker Wissing remains in the cabinet as he left the FDP. Chancellor Scholz and his remaining ministers will continue to govern until a vote of no confidence or the agreed-upon date in January 2025.
What is the opposition's demand regarding the current political situation?: The opposition, primarily the CDU/CSU, demands that Scholz immediately call a vote of no confidence. They believe new elections are necessary due to the lack of a governing majority and the current political instability.
What constitutional options exist for the opposition to force new elections?: The German constitution allows for a constructive vote of no confidence, requiring the opposition to present an alternative majority candidate. However, this seems unlikely due to the reluctance of the Union to cooperate with the AfD.
What was the primary point of contention that led to the coalition's collapse?: The main point of contention was the handling of government finances, specifically the debt brake. The SPD and Greens wanted to suspend it while the FDP opposed this leading to the coalition breakdown.

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