German president dissolves parliament, sets early election date for February

NEWS WIRES

27 December 2024 at 6:29 am·1-min read

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier stressed the need for 'political stability'

Germany's president dissolved parliament on Friday, confirming the country would head to an early election on February 23. The three-party coalition led by the Social Democrats collapsed after fierce infighting over how best to put Germany's economy back on its feet.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier dissolved parliament on Friday and confirmed the expected February date for an early general election after the collapse of Olaf Scholz's government last month.

Scholz's coalition was brought down by internal fights over how to revive Europe's largest economy, but a deadly car-ramming attack at a Christmas market last week has renewed the country's heated debates over security and immigration.

Confirming the February 23 date for the election, Steinmeier emphasised the need for "political stability" and appealed for the campaign to be "conducted with respect and decency".

A Saudi doctor, Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, 50, was arrested at the scene of the attack on the Christmas market in the eastern city of Magdeburg which left five people dead and more than 200 injured.

Interior Minister Nancy Fraser has said Abdulmohsen held "Islamophobic" views but his exact motive remains unclear.

In the wake of the attack, Scholz appealed to Germans to "link arms" and to not allow "hatred to determine our coexistence".

(AFP)

Australian Associated Press
Barcelona held to draw, Atletico's winning streak ends
Barcelona and Getafe have fought out a 1-1 draw, and Atletico Madrid's club record of 15 consecutive victories has come to an end in La Liga.
Australian Associated Press
PSG struggle past Lens to take 10-point lead in France
Bradley Barcola's brilliance helped Paris Saint-Germain score a 2-1 win at Lens to extend their lead in the Ligue 1 standings to 10 points.
Australian Associated Press
Search resumes after empty car found in floodwaters
Emergency services located an empty vehicle in floodwaters, with a search resuming for any occupants amid calls to expand disaster relief after damaging storms.
Australian Associated Press
Napoli underline Serie A title hopes with comeback win
Napoli have opened up a six-point buffer at the top of the Serie A standings after fighting back to thwart one of their main rivals for the Italian title.
Australian Associated Press
Free vaccine rollout to protect newborns from virus
Pregnant women will be able to get a free vaccine to protect their babies from RSV, as part of a $174 million national immunisation program.
Australian Associated Press
Man found guilty of rape, murder of doctor in India
A man has been found guilty of the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at an Indian hospital in a high-profile case that sparked outrage throughout the country.
Australian Associated Press
Goretzka brace helps Bayern maintain Bundesliga buffer
Leon Goretzka has scored twice to help Bayern Munich beat Wolfsburg 3-2 and maintain their four-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga standings.
Australian Associated Press
Aussie teen prodigy Bray now shining at U19 World Cup
Much-vaunted cricketing youngster Caoimhe Bray has made a match-winning impact on the global stage, shining for Australia's under-19s at the T20 World Cup.
Australian Associated Press
SKorean court extends President Yoon's detention
The arrest of South Korea's impeached president, Yoon Suk-yeol could see him imprisoned over his ill-fated declaration of martial law last month.
Australian Associated Press
Liverpool forge further clear of Arsenal in title race
Liverpool have won 2-0 at Brentford with late goals from Darwin Nunez while Arsenal slipped further behind in the Premier League title race, drawing with Villa.
Australian Associated Press
Trump may give TikTok a 90-day reprieve
President-elect Donald Trump said one of his first orders of business after his inauguration may be to give TikTok a 90-day reprieve on a proposed ban.
Australian Associated Press
Socceroo Boyle at the double for third week running
Martin Boyle has continued his remarkable scoring run in Scotland, notching a double for the third successive week for Hibernian.
Australian Associated Press
Fuel tanker truck blast kills at least 60 in Nigeria
At least 60 corpses have been recovered from the scene of a oil tanker explosion after it overturned in northern Nigeria.
Australian Associated Press
Solskjaer off to Turkey in first job since Man Utd axe
Former Manchester United striker and manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is off to the Turkish Super League as the new manager of Istanbul side Besiktas.
Australian Associated Press
Bumrah fitness to be tested by India against England
Jasprit Bumrah has been selected for India's Champions Trophy squad but is likely to have his fitness tested before that in an ODI with England.
Australian Associated Press
Road funds part of $18b spend on suburban 'engine room'
A critical pipeline will be upgraded to get workers and tourists in and out of a major new airport and create an "engine room for economic growth".
Australian Associated Press
Andreeva not scared as she stands in Sabalenka's way
Teen sensation Mirra Andreeva stands between Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka and the last eight at Melbourne Park.
Australian Associated Press
Welsford moves cycling focus from track glory to road
After finally winning an Olympic gold in the team pursuit, Australian cycling star Sam Welsford will focus on becoming one of the world's top road sprinters.
Australian Associated Press
Veart hails Adelaide's win over Victory as a stand-out
Carl Veart has hailed Adelaide United's 3-2 win over Melbourne Victory as among the best wins of their campaign - despite the Reds not producing their best.
Australian Associated Press
Kiwi Hillier on pole for 'life-changing' win in Dubai
Australia's challenge at the lucrative Dubai Desert Classic has faltered while surprise New Zealander Daniel Hillier leads the way going into the last round.

Latest stories