Chancellor Scholz fires finance minister as coalition government faces crisis

Chancellor Olaf Scholz has fired Finance Minister Christian Lindner, leading to the Free Democratic Party's exit from the coalition government. This decision follows months of disagreements among coalition partners, resulting in three other FDP ministers resigning. Scholz plans a confidence vote in January. If unsuccessful, elections could be held in March 2025, six months early. The Social Democrats will now govern as a minority with the Greens, relying on support from the center-right conservatives. The German economy is struggling, with zero growth predicted for this year. Scholz's government faces significant challenges, including rising political pressure and a stalled legislative agenda.