Germany’s Scholz loses confidence vote

Early elections are now slated to be held on February 23

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz lost a confidence vote in parliament on Monday, paving the way for snap elections early next year. The outcome was expected after Scholz’s government coalition collapsed in November over a budget dispute.

A total of 394 ballots were cast against Scholz, with 207 in his favor and 116 abstentions.

Scholz, who will now lead his Social Democratic Party (SPD) into the election in February...