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German government on brink of collapse after Olaf Scholz fires finance minister | Germany

German government on brink of collapse after Olaf Scholz fires finance minister | Germany

The German government is on the brink of collapse after Chancellor Olaf Scholz unexpectedly fired his finance minister, plunging Europe's largest economy into political chaos.

Christian Linder was kicked out of the three-party coalition at a meeting of senior government members on Wednesday evening, after months of bitter power struggles that have contributed to the government's growing unpopularity.

Government insiders had suggested that Donald Trump's victory in the US election would raise spirits in Berlin and force the leaders of the Social Democrats, Greens and FDP to recognize the need for unity. But the discord and resentment in Berlin showed no signs of abating.

Lindner, 45, is head of the business-friendly FDP, which issued a controversial 18-page ultimatum on Friday calling on the government to radically revise its budget plans for next year.

He had repeatedly warned of an “autumn of decisions” as difficult budget negotiations loomed.

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His dismissal is likely to lead to early elections in March, six months earlier than planned.

The fallout is expected to plunge Germany into a prolonged period of uncertainty at a time when European leaders are trying to unite on the challenges ahead, including a possible trade war with the United States.

As Ukraine's second-largest backer after the United States, Germany also faces concerns that if Trump follows through on his threat to reduce support for Kiev, it will leave Washington to take on a far larger share of the war effort.

More details coming soon…

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