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Berlin crisis derails president's trip to Saudi Arabia

Frank-Walter Steinmeier postpones visit to Arab country

Nov 12, 2024 05:42 74

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has postponed his trip to Saudi Arabia to lead talks with political leaders against the background of the government crisis in Berlin, his office announced, DPA reported, quoted by BTA.

After the collapse of his three-party coalition, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said he would call a confidence vote in January.

However, under pressure from opposition parties to call the vote immediately, Scholz said on Sunday he was willing to move the timetable and vote before Christmas, although the exact date is still unclear.

If Scholz does not get the necessary majority in a confidence vote, Steinmeier can dissolve the lower house of parliament, the Bundestag, within 21 days and schedule new elections - which must be held within 60 days of the dissolution.< /p>

Immediately after the collapse of the coalition, Steinmeier said he was ready to decide to dissolve the Bundestag, saying Germany needed a stable majority and a government capable of action.

The president is said to be in constant contact with Scholz and the leader of the opposition conservative CDU/CSU bloc Friedrich Merz, and on Monday he spoke with Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck.