Germany's coalition leaders meet to tackle economic challenges and budget gap

Germany's governing coalition is meeting again to address the country's struggling economy. Chancellor Olaf Scholz and other leaders are trying to find a solution to a billion-euro budget gap for 2025 amid ongoing disagreements on economic policy. The coalition partners are divided on how to stimulate the economy. The Free Democrats oppose tax increases and advocate for budget cuts, while left-leaning politicians call for increased state investment and reject cuts to welfare programs. Germany's economy is projected to shrink for a second consecutive year in 2024, facing challenges from external factors and domestic issues like bureaucracy and a skilled labor shortage.