Scholz to lead minority government after coalition collapse in Germany

Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz plans to lead a minority government after the collapse of his coalition. This follows his dismissal of Finance Minister Christian Lindner, which triggered resignations from other Free Democrat ministers. Scholz aims for a confidence vote on January 15. The coalition's collapse has left Scholz's Social Democrats and the Greens without a majority. Opposition leader Friedrich Merz has called for an immediate confidence vote, arguing that a government without a majority cannot function effectively. Volker Wissing, one of the resigned ministers, has reversed his decision and will remain as Transport Minister. Scholz's government faces challenges in addressing economic issues amid political instability, with potential early elections as soon as January.