The President of Germany has dissolved the Bundestag and called for elections.

Steinmeier stated that Germany requires stability and a functioning government. "Therefore, I am confident that new elections will be the right decision for the well-being of our country," said the President of Germany.

Following the collapse of the coalition government in November, which consisted of three parties – SPD, "Alliance 90/The Greens," and FDP, Chancellor Olaf Scholz demanded that parliament vote on a motion of confidence for the government. On December 16, the majority of parliamentarians voted against it. Support for the Chancellor and the cabinet received 207 votes, while 394 voted against, and 116 abstained. After this, the Chancellor proposed to the President to dissolve the Bundestag.

The constitution stipulates that the President can dissolve parliament within 21 days after a vote of no confidence is expressed to the Chancellor. New elections must be held within 60 days. Steinmeier made his decision 11 days after the vote.

As reported by Radio Free Europe, the German President's administration indicated that the President had preliminary discussions with the leaders of factions and groups in the Bundestag to ensure that the government had no chance of gaining support for a stable parliamentary majority.

In a statement on Friday, Steinmeier emphasized that the German constitution contains the necessary measures to maintain political stability. The Bundestag will continue its work in its current composition until new elections. "Our democracy functions even during transitional periods," the politician stated.

He mentioned that the issue of confidence was preceded by prolonged debates about the necessity and feasibility of new elections and the electoral campaign. The President of Germany stressed that "people expect realistic proposals from politicians for building the future in a country that must go through difficult times."

According to him, significant tasks lie ahead for the next German government. "Therefore, in the coming weeks, we need to discuss the best solutions to the challenges of our time," Steinmeier said. Among the main issues, he highlighted the economic situation in Germany, wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, the management of migration flows and their integration, climate change, and "the peaceful and secure coexistence of people" in Germany.

Steinmeier called for uncompromising and honest debates during the electoral campaign. "Our free democracy can withstand this. Moreover, it needs competition of ideas," the President declared.

He warned that the electoral campaign could be subject to "external influence," referring to the Russian hybrid war. The President also urged against political violence and intimidation of politicians.

The dissolution of the Bundestag following the vote of no confidence occurred for the sixth time in the history of Germany since 1949.