Germany is set to hold a federal election on February 23, 2024, earlier than initially proposed by Chancellor Olaf Scholz after his ruling coalition collapsed last week.

Scholz had previously suggested a March election, contingent on a confidence vote in January.

However, the vote is now scheduled for December 16.

If the Bundestag votes to dismiss Scholz, the president will dissolve parliament, triggering the election.

The coalition breakdown followed months of disputes between Scholz’s SPD, the Green Party, and the FDP over economic policies, CNBC has reported.

Scholz’s SPD and the Greens will form a minority government until the election, with campaigning already underway.

Written by B.C. Begley