A major reshuffle in German politics! German lawmakers agree to hold early elections in February.

According to government officials familiar with the talks in Germany, Chancellor Schultz's Social Democratic Party has reached an agreement with opposition lawmakers to hold early elections in February. The official stated that the federal elections, originally scheduled for September 28 next year, are now expected to take place on February 23. Last week, Schultz dismissed Free Democratic Party leader and Finance Minister Lindner, plunging Germany into political uncertainty. Schultz stated that he had lost trust in Lindner and accused him of prioritizing party interests over national interests. Although polls show that opposition Christian Democratic Union leader Merz is leading in the elections, Schultz expressed confidence in winning on Sunday. He stated that he had overcome poor polling data before winning the chancellorship in 2021. Merz stated at a meeting on Tuesday: "After three years of the so-called progressive alliance, it is now time for the Chancellor to pave the way for new elections. Germany is a sleeping middle power and must become an active middle power." He said, "I will ensure that Europe will have new leaders born." Schultz needs to first submit a vote of confidence to the lower house of parliament before initiating a national vote. Schultz has agreed to hold the vote of confidence by December 25, and if the Chancellor fails in the vote of confidence, he can request the President to dissolve parliament. Elections must be held within 60 days. Merz's center-right coalition leads in opinion polls with over 30% support, positioning the coalition favorably to reclaim the chancellorship after losing to Schultz's Social Democratic Party three years ago. The Social Democratic Party of Germany has a support rate of about 16%, ranking third, followed by the far-right Alternative for Germany with a support rate of about 18%. The Green Party has a support rate of about 11%, ranking fourth, while the newly formed far-left party - the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance ranks fifth with a support rate of about 8%. Support for the Free Democratic Party has dropped from 11.5% in the 2021 elections to 3%, facing the danger of not reaching the 5% threshold required to enter parliament. German industry lobbying groups have also called for early elections, believing that Germany urgently needs political stability amid current geopolitical turmoil. The German economy has failed to sustain a rebound from the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, with some economists predicting that German economic output will shrink for the second consecutive year in 2024. Its main weakness lies in its crucial manufacturing sector, which is hampered by weak foreign demand, high borrowing costs, and a series of structural problems domestically.