Germany's opposition demands trust vote next week, rejecting Scholz's January proposal

Germany's opposition has called for a confidence vote next week, rejecting Chancellor Olaf Scholz's proposal to hold it on January 15. CDU chairman Friedrich Merz argues that an early vote could lead to elections in January. The call for a vote follows the recent breakup of Scholz's coalition, which included the Greens and the Free Democrats (FDP). The chancellor's decision to fire finance minister Christian Lindner has left his government in a weak position amid ongoing domestic and international challenges. In response to the turmoil, Scholz has appointed Joerg Kukies as the new finance minister. Meanwhile, FDP Transport Minister Volker Wissing plans to remain in government despite other FDP members resigning from the coalition.