German coalition government collapses as Scholz dismisses Finance Minister Lindner

Germany's ruling coalition has collapsed after Chancellor Olaf Scholz dismissed Finance Minister Christian Lindner. Lindner's Free Democratic Party (FDP) demanded economic reforms that the other coalition members found unacceptable. During a meeting, Lindner told Scholz he could not continue in the coalition and suggested snap elections. Scholz's decision to fire Lindner raises the possibility of a minority government, but without a budget majority, a vote of no confidence is likely. The FDP, polling at only four percent, is below the threshold for the next federal election in September. Lindner's proposals for tax cuts and reduced climate policies have created significant tensions within the coalition.