Germany Heads For Early Elections As Coalition Government Collapses

Germany entered a major political crisis on Wednesday (November 7, 2024) with the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's ruling coalition likely paving the way for early elections next year.

The turmoil hits Europe's biggest economy as it grapples with a sustained downturn and as Berlin worries about the impact Donald Trump's return to the White House will have on trade and security ties.

Mr. Scholz said he would seek a vote of confidence by January 15 so that MPs "can decide whether to clear the way for early elections" which could be held by late March — six months earlier than scheduled.