Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz seeks snap elections after confidence vote, aiming to navigate economic crisis.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has lost a parliamentary confidence vote, paving the way for snap elections in February intended to lead Germany out of a political crisis triggered by the collapse of his coalition.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz lost a confidence vote in the German parliament on Monday, putting the European Union’s most populous member and biggest economy on course to hold an early election in February.

Confidence votes are a very rare phenomenon in Germany. It is only the sixth time in its post-war history that a chancellor has called one.

Despite losing, the result was the outcome the SDP leader wanted and paves the way for early elections.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz loses confidence vote, leading to early election in Germany on February 23.

Germany faces early elections on February 23, 2024, after Chancellor Scholz loses a confidence vote, with President Steinmeier to decide on dissolving parliament within 21 days.

Embattled chancellor trailing opposition leader Friedrich Merz in polls.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has lost a vote of confidence, meaning the country is likely to have early elections next year.