Germany Faces Political Turmoil as Coalition Government Collapses

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has rejected calls for a no-confidence vote after dismissing Finance Minister Christian Lindner, signaling the collapse of his coalition government. Scholz plans to lead a minority government until early next year, despite demands from opposition leader Friedrich Merz for immediate elections. The conflict arose over economic policy disagreements, particularly Lindner's proposal for tax cuts for top earners and pension cuts for retirees. A confidence vote is expected in January, potentially leading to early elections by March.