Scholz Fires Finance Minister Lindner; German Coalition Collapses Ahead of Possible March Elections

Nov 6, 2024, 08:25 PM

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has dismissed Finance Minister Christian Lindner, leader of the Free Democrats (FDP), leading to the collapse of Germany's ruling coalition government. The three-party alliance—comprising Scholz's Social Democrats (SPD), the Greens, and the FDP—had been grappling with persistent disagreements over budgetary issues, decarbonization policies, and the country's economic direction. Lindner opposed plans to expedite decarbonization and proposed early elections to resolve the budget deadlock, a suggestion that Scholz rejected before dismissing him from his post, citing a lack of trust. The chancellor announced that he will hold a confidence vote in mid-January 2025, which could pave the way for snap elections by the end of March. Scholz also indicated plans to consult opposition leader Friedrich Merz.