German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Friday ordered parliament dissolved and set new elections for Feb. 23 in the wake of the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition, saying it was the only way to give the country a stable government capable of tackling its problems.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is due to announce his decision on Friday as to whether to dissolve the country's lower house of parliament - the Bundestag - paving the way for early elections in February.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who lost confidence vote this month, will act as caretaker chancellor at time of rising turmoil.