German Political Turmoil: Election Timing Sparks Tension

German political instability heightens as a crucial budget meeting is canceled amid tensions over election timing following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition. The delay risks impacting the 2025 budget, with opposition pushing for early elections to ensure a stable government promptly addresses economic challenges.

German legislators canceled a vital budget planning meeting on Monday as political parties continued to debate the timing of an election that could end a period of political uncertainty. This follows the dissolution of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition last week, escalating tensions in the country's governance.

This development threatens to delay Germany's 2025 budget, raising concerns amidst growing demands for government intervention to thwart an impending economic crisis. The coalition fell apart after the neoliberal Free Democrats (FDP) quit over disagreements on financial policies with their left-leaning partners.

The opposition conservatives, leading in polls, accuse Scholz of stalling elections for political advantage. They're urging President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to prompt early elections for swift government stabilization. Scholz, open to earlier elections, warned of the bureaucratic strain this might pose, especially in winter.

(With inputs from agencies.)