Polls open in Germany for pivotal national election featuring key candidates

Polls have opened in Germany for a national election, featuring incumbent Chancellor Olaf Scholz, opposition leader Friedrich Merz, Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck, and far-right candidate Alice Weidel. This election is significant as it follows the collapse of Scholz's coalition. The election was called seven months early after Scholz lost a confidence vote in December. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier dissolved parliament, stating a new election was necessary for stable governance. Germany's electoral system typically prevents any party from gaining an absolute majority. Current polls indicate that a coalition of two or more parties is likely to form after the election.