Germany's Government Faces Collapse After Coalition Breaks Down

Germany's governing coalition is in turmoil after Chancellor Olaf Scholz fired Finance Minister Christian Lindner, leading to a loss of parliamentary majority. Scholz plans a confidence vote in January, which could trigger early elections. The coalition, comprising the Social Democrats, Greens, and Lindner's FDP, has faced internal tensions exacerbated by economic challenges from the Ukraine war. Scholz and the Greens favor increased public spending, while Lindner advocates for tax cuts and reduced welfare spending. The crisis has plunged Germany into political uncertainty.