German coalition faces uncertainty after government collapse

Germany's coalition government, led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, collapsed last week, losing its parliamentary majority. The departure of the Free Democrats has left many proposed laws in uncertainty, but there is a consensus on protecting the Constitutional Court from far-left and far-right influence. New Finance Minister Joerg Kukies announced that the government will focus on advancing laws already in progress. Key issues include the future of the popular Deutschlandticket for public transport and measures to adjust tax bands, both facing uncertain approval. Several initiatives are likely to be abandoned, including a law for hydrogen-ready power stations and a guaranteed minimum pension plan. The government also lacks time to pass the 2025 budget before elections scheduled for February 23, 2024.