**German Chancellor’s Government Fails Confidence Vote**
Germany’s parliament, the Bundestag, has voted against Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government. This means that early elections will be held on February 23.
Out of 717 lawmakers who participated in the vote, only 207 supported Scholz’s government. A total of 394 MPs said they had no confidence in him, while 116 abstained. The Social Democratic Party (SPD), which is led by Scholz, has come under criticism for its defense policies.
**Criticism Over Missile Policy**
The SPD has been criticized for refusing to deliver Taurus missiles to Ukraine. A leaked draft of the party’s election platform shows that they remain opposed to providing these long-range missiles, citing concerns that it could escalate Germany’s involvement in Russia’s war against Ukraine. Despite calls from Kyiv and other Western allies, Scholz has maintained this stance.
**Opposition Leader Vows Support for Ukraine**
Friedrich Merz, the leader of the opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has voiced support for supplying Taurus missiles to Ukraine. During a visit to Kyiv, Merz pledged a more assertive approach to arming Ukraine. He said that Germany wants Ukraine’s army to be capable of hitting military bases in Russia.
**Election Platform Promises Support for Ukraine**
The CDU’s election platform reportedly commits to comprehensive support for Ukraine, including diplomatic, financial, humanitarian, and military aid. Merz has also argued that Germany could lift restrictions on the Taurus missiles without becoming a direct participant in the war.
As elections approach, defense and foreign policy are likely to remain central issues. The CDU is positioning itself as a stronger ally to Ukraine compared to Scholz’s SPD.
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