The President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, has dissolved the Bundestag, the German parliament, and set the date for the next legislative elections for February 23 .

The decision on the date of the new elections was highly anticipated after the implosion of the government coalition of Social Democratic Chancellor Olaf Scholz and the vote of confidence that he lost .

Now it's official: "I have decided today to dissolve the 20th German Bundestag and to set new elections for February 23 of next year," Steinmeier said in a statement. "A corresponding communication has just been delivered to the President of the German Bundestag. The dissolution of the Bundestag before the end of the legislative session and early elections are exceptional cases in our country ," Steinmeier stressed, explaining that "especially in difficult times like these, stability requires an effective government and reliable majorities in Parliament . That is why I am convinced that new elections are now the right way forward for the good of our country."

For Steinmeier, "it is time for problem solving to become the core business of politics again." The president expects that "this competition will be conducted with respect and decency. Simply because after the elections, the art of compromise will be needed to form a stable government ."

Finally, a thought on possible Russian interference: " External influence is a danger to democracy. Be it hidden, as recently happened in Romania, or open and obvious, as is happening particularly intensely on Platform X. I will firmly oppose all external attempts to influence the vote."

(Unioneonline/L)

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