Germany's Scholz Faces Early Election on February 23

Germany is set to hold early elections on February 23 after Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition government collapsed under pressure. Scholz initially planned a confidence vote for January 15, but changed course due to concerns about the adequacy of election logistics, including a potential paper shortage. The coalition's disarray stems from a Constitutional Court ruling that created a significant budget shortfall, leading to tensions within the government. Current polls indicate that Friedrich Merz of the CDU is likely to succeed Scholz, who faces the lowest approval ratings of any postwar chancellor. The upcoming elections are critical for Germany, which is grappling with economic challenges and uncertainty about its future growth model. Scholz's government, comprised of the SPD, Greens, and FDP, has been criticized for its inefficiency and inability to address pressing issues effectively.