Germany's Government in Crisis as Coalition Collapses

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has dismissed Finance Minister Christian Lindner, leading to the collapse of the coalition government and a confidence vote scheduled for January 15, which could result in early elections in March. Scholz cited Lindner's refusal to compromise on economic issues as a key reason for the dismissal. The coalition, consisting of the Social Democrats, Free Democrats, and the Green party, has faced internal disputes and external pressures, including the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany.