Scholz open to talks with Merz on new elections after urgent parliamentary issues
Chancellor Olaf Scholz is open to discussing new elections with opposition leader Friedrich Merz, but only after addressing urgent parliamentary matters. This follows the collapse of Scholz's coalition earlier this week, which has led to ongoing tensions. Merz has rejected Scholz's proposal, insisting that a confidence vote must occur before any legislative support. He accuses Scholz of trying to gain political advantage while Scholz aims to finalize key legislation before a potential early election. The disagreement centers on the order of business, with Scholz wanting to legislate first and Merz demanding a confidence motion. Merz's party has expressed unwillingness to support the minority government's policies until the confidence vote is addressed.