Editorial: El País

• Early elections initiated by Olaf Scholz could provide a clarifying moment for Germany.
• Germany's governing coalition has been hindered by confusion and internal conflicts, stalling progress and leadership in the EU.
• The crucial moment of elections comes amid an economic recession and possible threats from Donald Trump to Germany.
• A campaign election amidst global tensions could be seen as reckless.
• A paralysed Germany would be detrimental to Europe, with other cities potentially taking the lead instead of Berlin.
• The alternative to early elections could be a weak, divided government.
• The next Bundestag may not have clear majorities, and new elections could even strengthen the far right.
• In Germany, there is still a broad spectrum of pro-European and Atlanticist parties, standing up against the extremists.
• Europe needs a Germany with a strong, pro-European government.

Conclusion: Germany's political future and its role in the European Union hang in the balance with the early elections, where both internal and external political challenges could greatly influence its outcome.

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