**German Parliament Dissolved, Snap Elections Scheduled for February 23 Following Government Collapse**

 **Germany to Hold Snap Elections on February 23 After Government Collapse**  

Germany is set to elect a new government seven months ahead of schedule following the collapse of its previous administration in November. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier formally dissolved the Bundestag on Friday morning, confirming the date of February 23 for snap elections.  

In his announcement, President Steinmeier emphasized the need for a functional government to address pressing domestic and global challenges, including economic stagnation, mass migration, and conflicts in Europe and the Middle East. He described the dissolution as a necessary step to allow liberal democracy’s “competition of ideas” to produce “the best solutions” for these urgent issues.  

Steinmeier noted that extensive efforts had been made to explore whether a new government could be formed within the current Bundestag, but these attempts proved futile. He concluded that early elections were the only viable path forward to ensure a government capable of decisive action.  

The collapse of the left-green-centrist coalition has shifted the political landscape, with national polling indicating a significant lead for right-wing parties. However, the potential rise of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), a right-wing sovereigntist party, could lead to efforts by the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) to exclude them from power. This scenario may result in another left-leaning coalition, despite the CDU's stronger position, potentially prolonging left-wing governance in key ministries.  

Germany’s February elections will determine the country’s direction at a critical moment for both domestic politics and international relations.

**Germany's CDU Leads Polls Ahead of Snap Elections as Progressive Coalition Falters**  

As Germany approaches its February 23 snap elections, polling indicates a surge in support for the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), currently in the low thirties—its best standing in years. Meanwhile, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) hovers around 20 percent. While this figure is slightly below the AfD's all-time polling highs, it represents a significant potential gain, doubling their 2021 Bundestag election result and positioning them as Germany's second-largest party.  

In contrast, the outgoing left-leaning coalition parties are facing a steep decline in public favor. The Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Greens are polling in the mid-teens, while the liberal Free Democratic Party (FDP) struggles to surpass the five percent threshold required for parliamentary representation, with consistent polling around four percent.  

The collapse of the government in November marked the end of the so-called "progressive coalition," which failed to overcome deep divisions over fiscal policy. The timing of the collapse, coinciding with Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. presidential election, underscored broader concerns about the coalition’s ability to navigate a shifting global political landscape. Trump's return to power was reportedly cited as a factor in the coalition's decision to disband, as internal disputes left it ill-prepared to face external challenges.  

For now, the caretaker government will manage Germany’s affairs until the February elections, which could dramatically reshape the nation’s political future. The CDU’s resurgence and the AfD's rise signal a potential shift to the right, though efforts to exclude the AfD from power could still result in a fragile left-right coalition. The coming months will test Germany’s ability to reconcile voter sentiment with the demands of effective governance in a rapidly evolving world.