German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (bottom, C) gestures as he addresses the Bundestag (Lower house of Parliament) as President of the Bundestag (lower house of parliament) Baerbel Bas (C, middle row) looks on in Berlin on December 16, 2024, ahead of a no-confidence vote against himself. Germany's embattled Chancellor Olaf Scholz faces parliament on December 16, 2024 to trigger the process towards February 23, 2025 elections, in the hope that he can weather a political crisis and win a second term. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)