German Chancellor Olaf Scholz lost a vote of confidence, leading to early elections on February 23. This follows the collapse of his three-party coalition, leaving him with a minority government. Scholz aimed to trigger early elections to revive his party's fortunes, as his Social Democratic Party (SDP) trails in polls. The vote was seen as a necessary constitutional mechanism, but highlights deeper issues in German politics, including fragmentation and the rise of far-right parties. The upcoming elections may further complicate coalition-building. Teljes cikk (bbc.com europe)