Germany faces political uncertainty after coalition collapse

Germany faces political uncertainty after Chancellor Olaf Scholz's three-party coalition collapsed. The coalition, which included Scholz's Social Democrats, the Greens, and the Free Democrats, ended amid internal conflicts, leaving the government without a majority. Scholz plans a confidence vote by January 15, which could lead to snap elections as early as March. He aims to secure support from opposition leader Friedrich Merz to pass key economic and defense legislation during this interim period. The coalition's breakdown comes as Germany's economy struggles, with predictions of a second consecutive year of contraction. Recent polls show the opposition CDU/CSU alliance leading, while the far-right Alternative for Germany has gained significant support.