BERLIN, Dec 27 (Bernama-dpa) -- German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has dissolved Parliament and set elections for February 23, seven months earlier than originally planned, reported German news agency dpa.
Steinmeier's decision on Friday was expected and follows the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's three-party coalition in November and a failed confidence motion in his government on December 16.
The parliamentary leaders of the Scholz's Social Democrats (SPD) and the conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) had already agreed on the February date.
Article 39 of Germany's Basic Law, or constitution, stipulates that a new election must take place within 60 days of the confidence vote.
Scholz faces a tough bid for re-election. In recent opinion polls, the CDU has held a lead of around 10 points over the SPD.
Steinmeier said on Friday that political stability is a valuable asset in Germany, describing the dissolution of the Bundestag and early elections as exceptions to the rule.
"Especially in difficult times like now, stability requires a government capable of taking action and reliable majorities in Parliament," the president said in explaining his decision.
-- BERNAMA-dpa
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