In Germany, Scholz Ready for Confidence Vote Before Year's End

Foreks - In Germany, Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated he is prepared to request a vote of confidence this year to pave the way for early elections. Scholz remarked, "I have no issue requesting a vote of confidence before Christmas if all parties agree." He had previously mentioned a vote of confidence in mid-January.

In an interview with ARD, Chancellor Scholz referred to returning to the polling stations, saying, "I also want this to happen quickly." Leading Europe's largest economy for nearly three years, Scholz added, "I am not tied to my position."

Scholz's political opponents have suggested that if he does not immediately request a vote of confidence, they will threaten to block the minority government's ability to pass laws, recommending that he proceed with this next Wednesday. The Chancellor stated that his party's parliamentary leader, Rolf Muetzenich, should negotiate the timing of the vote with Friedrich Merz, the head of the conservative opposition CDU.

However, Scholz cautioned that all necessary technical preparations must be completed for new elections to be conducted swiftly. Following the expected loss of the vote of confidence, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will have 21 days to dissolve the Federal Assembly, followed by the necessity of holding new elections within 60 days.