Germany's ruling coalition faces collapse as Scholz dismisses finance minister

Chancellor Olaf Scholz has dismissed Finance Minister Christian Lindner, signaling a collapse of Germany's ruling coalition. The coalition, known as the "traffic light coalition," has been in power since 2021 and includes Scholz's Social Democrats, the Greens, and Lindner's Free Democrats. The dismissal follows disagreements over economic reforms, with Lindner suggesting snap elections. Scholz stated that Lindner had broken trust and that serious government work was no longer possible. The coalition leaders have struggled to address a significant budget shortfall and differing views on economic recovery. The situation raises the possibility of snap elections, potentially in March. Tensions have been high as coalition members disagree on budget cuts and welfare spending, with Lindner advocating for austerity measures while left-wing members push for increased state investment.