Scholz considers pre-Christmas trust vote as snap election looms in Germany
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is now open to holding a trust vote by Christmas, earlier than his previous plan for January. This change comes after losing his parliamentary majority when a key coalition partner withdrew last week. Scholz's ruling coalition collapsed after he dismissed Finance Minister Christian Lindner, leading to a minority government. The opposition has criticized Scholz for trying to maintain power despite his party trailing in polls. If Scholz loses the trust vote, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier must dissolve parliament within 21 days and call for new elections within 60 days, as required by the Constitution.