Scholz considers moving up snap elections as political crisis deepens in Germany

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is open to discussions about moving up snap elections, previously expected by March. This comes amid a political crisis after his coalition collapsed following the dismissal of Finance Minister Christian Lindner. Scholz emphasized the need for a "calm debate" on passing laws under his minority government before deciding on the timing of a confidence vote. His comments were made during an EU summit in Budapest. Opposition leader Friedrich Merz has called for an immediate vote of confidence, suggesting elections could occur as early as January. Scholz urged cooperation in the Bundestag to finalize important legislation before addressing the election date.