German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has announced that he will ask for a vote of confidence on Dec. 16, paving the way forward for an early parliamentary election in February.

After public bickering between Chancellor Olaf Scholz and the opposition, he and the Christian Democratic leader have settled on a new date for a confidence vote. Potential ensuing snap elections would force a new governing coalition,

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says he'll hold a vote of confidence in parliament next month ahead of election next year

Germany’s election campaign kicks into high gear on Wednesday, when Chancellor Olaf Scholz makes his case in a public address for another term, despite polls showing voters are overwhelmingly looking for a change.

Mr Scholz declared his plans for the vote of confidence one week after his three-party coalition government collapsed.

Friedrich Merz, the leader of the Christian democratic (CDU/CSU) opposition, is pushing for a confidence vote before Christmas.

The decision follows the Free Democrats’ exit from the coalition, leaving Chancellor Olaf Scholz without a majority.

The German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has announced a vote of confidence in his government following the coalition's collapse. This move could pave the way for early parliamentary elections, which pose significant political and organisational challenges.