Germany’s parliament voted no confidence in Gerhard Schroeder’s government at the chancellor’s own request today, setting the stage for new elections amid economic sluggishness and growing discontent.

German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder today called for new elections, asking Parliament to bring down his government to enable him to seek a new mandate in a vote expected in September.

German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder faces a confidence motion he hopes to lose today, in a bid to bring down his own government and seek a new mandate for stalled economic reforms in early autumn elections.