Commenting on his decision, Frank-Walter Steinmeier noted that the prevailing political instability requires a «capable government» with a reliable parliamentary majority.
Steinmeier had to make a decision on dissolving the parliament within 21 days after the vote of no confidence in Olaf Scholz's government.
The parliamentary crisis began in November with the collapse of the «traffic light» coalition (Social Democratic Party, «Greens», and Free Democratic Party). The main reasons were disagreements over economic policy and the budget for 2025, with a key moment being the chancellor's dismissal of FDP leader Christian Lindner from the post of finance minister.
On December 16, in the vote of confidence in the government of the acting Chancellor Olaf Scholz, 394 deputies voted against, 207 in favor, and 116 abstained. Among those who refused confidence were members of the largest opposition faction — the conservative bloc of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Christian Social Union (CSU), as well as representatives of the Free Democratic Party (FDP), which left the ruling coalition.
Deputies from the remaining «green» party in the government abstained from voting.