Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government has officially collapsed after losing a vote of no confidence in Germany’s parliament. The stunning defeat comes just nine months ahead of originally scheduled elections, forcing snap elections to be held on February 23, 2025.

The Bundestag voted 394 to 207 against Scholz’s leadership, with 116 abstaining, leaving him without the support needed to remain in power. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is now expected to dissolve the parliament, clearing the way for a new election.

BREAKING: The German Socialist Government collapsed due to excessive debt and overspending on Green Energy – which ultimately chased major energy-producing companies out of the country.

Sound familiar Canada? pic.twitter.com/HOFx2TDeUV

— Wiretap Media (@WiretapMediaCa) November 7, 2024

Scholz’s downfall follows weeks of political tension after his coalition government crumbled. The Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Greens and the Free Democratic Party (FDP) had been at odds for months over Germany’s stagnant economy. Tensions boiled over when Scholz dismissed Finance Minister Christian Lindner, leader of the FDP, prompting the party to withdraw from the coalition.

The vote marks a major turning point for Germany, as Europe’s largest economy continues to struggle with soaring energy costs and economic uncertainty driven by the war in Ukraine. Scholz has faced growing unpopularity, with opinion polls showing his SPD trailing far behind the opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU), led by Friedrich Merz.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has lost a vote of confidence in parliament, paving the way for early elections on 23 February 2025 & not in September! 2 months after collapse of 3-party coalition govt & he then leading a minority administration so this result, the one he wanted! pic.twitter.com/m3S3F4QKFd

— Diana Speaks (@Diana6197Davis) December 17, 2024

Meanwhile, the right-wing Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) has surged in popularity, presenting another challenge for Germany’s mainstream parties. While most political leaders refuse to consider a coalition with the AfD, analysts argue the outcome of the upcoming election may force parties to reassess their positions.

The snap election campaign is expected to be fierce, as the CDU looks to capitalize on Scholz’s unpopularity and the SPD hopes to recover ground. Germany’s future now hinges on the results of February’s vote and whether a stable coalition can emerge from the country’s fractured political landscape.