Germany faces political turmoil as Scholz coalition collapses

Germany is facing a political crisis after Chancellor Olaf Scholz fired Finance Minister Christian Lindner, leading to the collapse of the coalition government. Scholz now leads a minority government, requiring opposition support for key policies, including the 2025 budget. The coalition's breakdown stems from deep divisions over economic strategies. Scholz's Social Democrats and Greens favor increased spending, while Lindner's Free Democrats oppose new borrowing. This conflict culminated in a public fallout, with Scholz criticizing Lindner's leadership. Opposition leaders are calling for immediate elections, arguing that a government without a majority cannot effectively function. Scholz plans a confidence vote in January, which could lead to elections in March, as political tensions rise ahead of the U.S. presidential election.