Scholz: Peace in Ukraine to be key issue in Germany's next elections
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has stated that citizens will decide the direction of Germany's policy during the upcoming elections, with one of the central issues being the pursuit of peace in Ukraine.
Scholz said this in an urgent statement on Wednesday, December 11, Ukrinform reports.
The Chancellor announced that he had formally requested the Bundestag President to hold a vote of confidence. If the confidence vote fails, it will pave the way for new elections, potentially set for February 23 next year.
Scholz promised to elaborate on his decision in parliament on December 16. If members of the Bundestag express no confidence in him, the Federal President would issue a decree to dissolve the Bundestag on the same day.
"This is my goal. In democracies, citizens determine the course of future policy. During elections, they decide how we address the major issues before us," the chancellor emphasized.
Among those issues, Scholz highlighted Ukraine, calling for efforts to "achieve a just peace while avoiding direct involvement in the war." He also addressed domestic economic challenges.
The Chancellor appealed to all political forces to come together and work in the nation’s interest, underscoring the need to pass critical legislation in the Bundestag before the elections. He expressed hope that the democratic opposition would support these efforts.
Until a new government is formed, Scholz assured that the current cabinet and Bundestag would remain fully functional.
The request for a confidence vote follows the collapse of the ruling coalition in Germany on November 6. Scholz formally submitted his written request for the confidence vote to the Bundestag President on Wednesday, December 11.