Official announcement from the German Bundestag

German Government Collapses as Scholz Dismisses Finance Minister; Confidence Vote Set for January 15

Nov 6, 2024, 11:16 PM

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has dismissed Finance Minister Christian Lindner, leading to the collapse of Germany's three-party coalition government. Lindner, leader of the liberal Free Democratic Party (FDP), had been attempting to slow the decarbonization of Germany's economy and branded Scholz's economic plan as 'weak.' Following his dismissal, the FDP withdrew all its ministers from the government. Transport Minister Volker Wissing chose to leave the FDP rather than the coalition. Scholz announced he would hold a vote of confidence on January 15, 2025, which could pave the way for early elections as soon as March 2025. Opposition parties, led by Friedrich Merz, are pressing for an earlier confidence vote, emphasizing the need for swift action amidst economic challenges and geopolitical uncertainties. Joerg Kukies, Scholz's economic adviser, has been appointed as the new Finance Minister. The government's collapse raises concerns about Germany's ability to provide leadership in Europe during this critical time. Scholz may seek to lead a minority government with opposition support until the elections.