Germany's governing coalition had long been characterized by perpetual bickering and very little progress. Ultimately, Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Finance Minister Christian Lindner found it impossible to get along.

Germany’s leader is expected to lead the country with a minority government after the collapse of the coalition.

Friedrich Merz, the leader of the Christian democratic (CDU/CSU) opposition, is pushing for a confidence vote before Christmas.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz plans to address lawmakers in the lower house of parliament, or Bundestag, on Wednesday following the collapse of his three-party coalition a week ago. The political upheaval means Europe's biggest economy is now to hold an early election on February 23 instead of September as originally planned.

The date for the German federal election has been set for Feb. 23, earlier than Chancellor Olaf Scholz had originally proposed.

Germany’s election campaign kicks into high gear on Wednesday, when Chancellor Olaf Scholz makes his case in a public address for another term, despite polls showing voters are overwhelmingly looking for a change.

Germany's election campaign kicks into high gear today, with Chancellor Olaf Scholz making his case for another term in a public address. Bloomberg's Oliver Crook breaks down the situation and what to expect from Scholz.