Germany is heading to early elections! The date has been set

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier stated in his announcement at Bellevue Palace, "Today, I have decided to dissolve the 20th German Bundestag and hold new elections on February 23, 2025."

Steinmeier noted that his decision regarding the matter has been delivered to the President of the Bundestag.

Drawing attention to the importance of political stability in Germany, Steinmeier said, "This has benefited us and protected us. The dissolution of the Bundestag before the end of its legislative term and heading to early elections are exceptional situations in our country. Our constitution provides for this."

Pointing out that he held talks with the parliamentary group leaders in the Bundestag, Steinmeier stated, "According to the vote of confidence, the current government no longer has a majority. However, I could not identify any majority for a different government in the discussions. Therefore, I believe that new elections are now the right path for the good of our country."

Emphasizing that the parliament and the government will continue their duties until a new government and parliament are formed, Steinmeier said he expects the election campaign to be conducted in a fair and transparent manner.

Touching upon potential foreign interference in the elections, Steinmeier made the following assessment:

"These are a danger to democracy. Even if they are covert. As clearly seen recently in the elections in Romania, and as is currently being done intensively on the social media platform X. I am strictly against all attempts to influence from the outside. The decision to vote is made solely by German citizens who have the right to vote."

Stating that there should be no place for hate and violent rhetoric in this election campaign, Steinmeier said, "Humiliation, categorization, violence, all of these are poison for democracy, all of these harm our democracy. We must fight against violence. I expect this from everyone."