German Chancellor Scholz fires finance minister amid coalition tensions

hindustantimes.com

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has fired Finance Minister Christian Lindner, indicating a collapse of the ruling three-party coalition. This decision follows weeks of disputes over economic strategies, with Scholz seeking a vote of confidence in January that may lead to early elections. Lindner's pro-business Free Democrats opposed tax increases and welfare cuts, while Scholz's Social Democrats and the Greens pushed for significant state investment. Scholz cited a breakdown of trust and Lindner's unilateral budget changes as reasons for the dismissal. Scholz plans to consult with opposition leader Friedrich Merz on strengthening the economy and defense before the January vote. The coalition, formed in 2021, has faced criticism for perceived dysfunction despite some achievements in energy and military modernization.


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