German government collapses as Chancellor Scholz dismisses finance minister Lindner
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has dismissed Finance Minister Christian Lindner, leading to the collapse of the coalition government formed by the Social Democrats, Greens, and Free Democrats. Scholz criticized Lindner for the government's failures, while Lindner accused Scholz of poor leadership. Scholz will remain in office but lacks a majority in the Bundestag, making it difficult to pass laws. He has scheduled a confidence vote for January 15, which could lead to early elections if he loses. Opposition leader Friedrich Merz is pushing for immediate elections. Merz, the Conservative candidate for chancellor, has gained support from his party and aims to tighten immigration policies. He has expressed a pragmatic view towards former U.S. President Donald Trump, while also supporting Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict.