In what seemed more like an election campaign speech, Scholz acknowledged the need for Germany to make substantial investments in self-defence, while also addressing the cost of living and migration. (Photo: European Council)

Germany readies for crucial snap elections in February

EU Political

by Elena Sánchez Nicolás, Brussels,

Germany is preparing for a snap federal election in February 2025, after chancellor Olaf Scholz lost a confidence vote in parliament on Monday (16 December).

The 66-year-old socialist needed 367 votes of confidence to "win" the ballot, but he only secured 207 out of the 717 votes tallied, with 394 opposing him and 116 abstaining.

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EU Political

Author Bio

Elena is EUobserver's Managing Editor. She is from Spain and has studied journalism and new media in Spanish and Belgian universities. Previously she worked on European affairs at VoteWatch Europe and the Spanish news agency EFE.