Germany is expected to hold a snap election in February next year. Political turmoil at the heart of Europe is also taking place in France.

Polls suggest that a February election will result in a rightward shift, at a moment when Europe’s largest economy is faltering.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz had hoped for this outcome when he called for the confidence vote, analysts say. His aim: to win fresh elections in February and come back with a stronger mandate.