German President Steinmeier Dissolves Parliament
Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Dec. 27, 2024. X/ @TRTWorldNow
December 27, 2024 Hour: 8:28 am
The most recent instance of early elections in Germany occurred in 2005 during the tenure of Gerhard Schröder.
On Friday, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier ordered the dissolution of the lower house of Parliament (Bundestag) and confirmed February 23 as the date for general elections. His decision follows a request from Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who had lost a vote of confidence.
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“I have decided to dissolve the Bundestag. I am convinced that, for the well-being of our country, new elections are now the right path. In times like these, we need stability, a reliable government, and a dependable majority in Parliament” said the German head of state.
After meeting with several parliamentary groups earlier this week, the German president determined that no alternative majority had emerged to replace the coalition government led by Scholz. That coalition, consisting of Social Democrats, Greens, and Liberals, collapsed in November.
“The next government has significant tasks to address,” Steinmeier said, referring to the challenges outlined by political parties in their platforms ahead of the early general elections on February 23.
Germany has experienced economic contraction in 2023 and 2024. The recession, the wars in Ukraine, immigration challenges, integration, and climate change are among the critical issues Steinmeier identified as priorities for the incoming administration.
The German president expressed hope, alongside the citizens, for solutions from the political parties, which are now in campaign mode. He noted that the electoral race would involve “painful truths” and prioritization.
“Politics is always a negotiation between what is possible and, at the same time, what cannot be compromised,” Steinmeier remarked. He emphasized his expectation for “respect” and “decency” during the electoral campaign, as well as “transparent methods” in the contest of ideas.
Steinmeier firmly stated that hatred and violence have no place in the electoral process, calling them “poison for democracy.” “Now it is up to you, the citizens. Your opinion matters. Go vote, knowing that your vote can be decisive,” Steinmeier concluded.
The most recent instance of early elections in Germany occurred in 2005 during the tenure of Social Democratic Chancellor Gerhard Schröder.
teleSUR/ JF Source: EFE