After the collapse of the governing coalition, Germany is set for early elections, which are scheduled for February 23 next year. Here’s a timeline of key dates leading up to the election:

• December 16: Chancellor Olaf Scholz will call for a vote of confidence in the Bundestag. If he loses, as expected, the governing coalition will no longer hold a parliamentary majority.
• December 18: The Bundestag will vote on the motion of confidence.
• After the vote: If Scholz loses, he will request that Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier dissolve the Bundestag, as per Article 68 of the German Constitution.
• 21 days later: Steinmeier formally dissolved the Bundestag, although he is not obligated to do so under the Constitution.
• Election date: Following the dissolution, Steinmeier will announce the election date, which must occur within 60 days. The president typically follows the government’s recommendation for the election date.
• The election is expected to be held on Sunday, February 23—just under 3.5 months from now. Parliamentary elections in Germany are always scheduled for a Sunday.