Suche
Mein Konto
New elections: municipalities contradict the returning officer – change or chaos?
After the traffic light coalition in Germany collapsed, municipalities are demanding quick action for new elections, despite warnings.
New elections: municipalities contradict the returning officer – change or chaos?
The first traffic light coalition at the federal level in Germany has dissolved! Chancellor Olaf Scholz is now at the head of a shaky minority government consisting of the SPD and the Greens. Tension is rising in Berlin as new elections seem inevitable. However, Federal Returning Officer Ruth Brand urges caution: New elections too quickly? A huge challenge, she warns, given today's situation in obtaining paper and processing print jobs. “A proper conduct of the election would not be guaranteed if the elections were scheduled at short notice,” said Brand.
But the municipalities are fighting! Contrary to Brand's concerns, they are ready for quick elections. The federal and local election officials will meet on Monday to begin the preparations. A quick decision on the election date is essential, emphasizes the German Association of Cities and Municipalities (DStGB). Sure, the Christmas season could represent an extra hurdle, but the local authorities' determination is undiminished: They are ready to hold a proper federal election within the legally prescribed deadlines.
Scholz’s plan and opposition under pressure
Chancellor Scholz has his own idea of the new election - it shouldn't happen until March next year at the earliest so that the SPD and the Greens can push through a few popular projects. One strategy seems clear: the federal election should not take place before the state elections in Hamburg, where the SPD and the Greens can definitely expect good results. However, the opposition, including the determined opposition leader Friedrich Merz and other parties, are pushing relentlessly: a vote of confidence must be asked quickly and new elections must be held quickly.
The challenges on site are great: polling stations have to be found and poll workers have to be recruited. It is particularly important that postal voting documents and election notifications are sent out on time. Here you rely on the parties to quickly put forward candidates and submit election proposals. The clock is ticking and in Germany people are looking forward to the political developments in the capital!