Germany prepares for parliamentary election as coalition government collapses

Germany is set for a parliamentary election on February 23, following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition government in December. The ruling coalition fell apart due to budget disagreements, leading to a confidence vote that Scholz lost. Key issues in the election include the struggling economy, migration, and the conflict in Ukraine. Recent polls show the conservative CDU/CSU alliance leading with 29% support, followed by the far-right AfD at 21%, while the SPD trails at 16%. Voters will cast two votes: one for a local candidate and another for a party. The 630 Bundestag seats will be allocated based on party support. Polling stations will open at 8 am and close at 6 pm, with initial results expected shortly after.