Scholz rejects no-confidence vote as German coalition faces collapse

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has rejected calls for an immediate no-confidence vote after firing Finance Minister Christian Lindner. Scholz plans to lead a minority government until early next year, despite losing his coalition's majority in parliament. Opposition leader Friedrich Merz has demanded a confidence vote sooner than January, arguing that the government cannot function without a majority. Scholz insists the vote will take place in January, allowing citizens to decide the future direction of the government. The coalition, in power since 2021, is struggling with economic policy disagreements as it seeks to address a significant budget gap for 2025. Scholz hopes to collaborate with opposition parties to pass necessary legislation in the coming weeks.