This federal government
and the government coalition of Social Democrats and Free Democrats
are proud of the work they have done in the last three years.
Nobody is contradicting your hard work.
But it has failed to be successful.
You have a poor balance sheet with negative records.
The assessment of the SPD-FDP's three years of policy-making
at the latest debates before the early dissolution of the 6th parliament
was similar to some unjust sports event reviews.
The highest mark for one's own team, the lowest for the other team.
The hottest election campaign in the FRG is beginning to emerge.
New elections as the last way out of a situation
in which the parliamentary majority
did not allow the government to continue their work,
nor enabled the opposition to topple the government.
Federal Chancellor Brandt explained why.
On the contrary.
I want the way to be cleared for new elections,
so that the vote of confidence can be put to voters once again.
Because, in light of developments,
only the voters can help us
to overcome the draw in the parliament.
In order for voters to exercise their rights,
and to ensure that the interests of our state are not damaged,
we must carry out the procedure
according to Article 68 of the Basic Law on Friday.
For the first time in the history of the FRG government,
a chancellor called for a vote of confidence.
A term Brandt avoids, preferring "Article 68 of the Basic Law".
His objective is to enable the continuation of his policy-making
through a defeat in votes and a re-election win.
The voting result was unsurprising.
233 MPs voted in favour,
as well as twelve Berlin citizens.
248 MPs voted against, as well as ten Berlin citizens.
The Federal Chancellor's call
for a vote of confidence therefore does not have the necessary majority.
I will notify the Federal President of this immediately.