Chancellor Olaf Scholz has lost a confidence vote in the German parliament, putting the European Union’s most populous member and biggest economy on course to hold an early election in February.

Polls suggest that a February election will result in a rightward shift, at a moment when Europe’s largest economy is faltering.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz had hoped for this outcome when he called for the confidence vote, analysts say. His aim: to win fresh elections in February and come back with a stronger mandate.

Europe’s largest economy and normally a pillar of stability is facing snap elections next year after Chancellor Olaf Scholz lost a vote of confidence.

The result paves the way for snap elections to be held on 23 February, with polls indicating Germany could be heading for a right-wing shift in power.View on euronews

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz lost a parliamentary confidence vote on Monday, paving the way for snap elections in February intended to lead Germany out of a political crisis triggered by the collapse of his coalition.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz faces a confidence vote on Monday he is expected to lose, paving the way for which will likely to put Germany on course for a snap election early next year, after the collapse of his governing coalition plunged the country into uncertainty.

Dec. 16 (UPI) --German Chancellor Olaf Scholz lost a confidence vote Monday, setting the stage for parliamentary elections next year. A majority of Germany's 733 lawmakers said they no longer have confidence in the center-left chancellor's leadership.

The German parliament accepted Chancellor Olaf Scholz's invitation to withdraw its confidence in him and his government on Monday, clearing the way for an early election on Feb. 23 necessitated by the collapse of his government.

Polls suggest that a February election would result in a rightward shift, at a moment when Europe’s largest economy is faltering.