Scholz Fires FDP Leader Lindner; Confidence Vote Called Ahead of Possible Early Election

Nov 6, 2024, 08:34 PM

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has dismissed Finance Minister Christian Lindner, the leader of the Free Democrats (FDP), leading to the collapse of Germany's three-party ruling coalition of the SPD, Greens, and FDP. The dismissal follows disagreements over budgetary issues and Lindner's proposal for snap elections to resolve the government's budget crisis, which Scholz rejected. Scholz announced he will call for a confidence vote on January 15, potentially leading to early elections by the end of March. "I have dismissed Finance Minister Lindner. This was necessary to prevent harm to our country," Scholz stated. He also indicated plans to talk to opposition leader Friedrich Merz.