German government collapses as Chancellor dismisses finance minister, fresh elections likely in 2024

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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has dismissed Finance Minister Christian Lindner, leading to the collapse of the coalition government. Scholz accused Lindner of being untrustworthy, while Lindner criticized Scholz's leadership. Tensions among coalition members have been ongoing since 2021. Scholz will remain in office for now, but without a majority in the Bundestag, his government cannot pass laws. He plans a confidence vote on January 15, which could lead to early elections if he loses. The next federal elections may occur in late March. Opposition leader Friedrich Merz is pushing for immediate elections, confident in his chances to replace Scholz. Merz, recently nominated as the Conservative candidate for chancellor, has adopted a hardline stance on immigration and aligns with some views of former U.S. President Donald Trump.


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