Berlin (Germany), Dec. 27 (LaPresse) – German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier today ordered the dissolution of Parliament and scheduled new elections for February 23, following the collapse of the coalition government led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The Chancellor lost a vote of confidence on December 16 and is currently leading a minority government after the so-called "traffic light coalition," composed of three parties, collapsed on November 6 following the dismissal of the Finance Minister. The leaders of the major parties then decided to call parliamentary elections for February 23, seven months earlier than originally planned. The German Constitution stipulates that it is the president's decision whether to dissolve Parliament and call for elections. Steinmeier had 21 days to make this decision. Once Parliament is dissolved, elections must take place within 60 days.