In Germany, Prime Minister Olaf Scholz dismissed Free Democratic Party (FDP) leader and Finance Minister Christian Lindner, who proposed an early election, stating that he took this step to avoid harming the country. Scholz announced that on January 15, 2025, he would seek a vote of confidence from the Parliament. If he does not obtain the necessary vote, the country will proceed to an early election. Following Lindner’s removal from the Finance Ministry, the coalition partner FDP decided to withdraw all its ministers from the government, effectively ending its participation in the coalition.

The three parties forming the coalition government in Germany assembled in the Chancellery. During the meeting, Free Democratic Party (FDP) leader and Finance Minister Christian Lindner suggested an early election. Prime Minister Olaf Scholz rejected this proposal and subsequently dismissed Lindner from his position as Finance Minister.

It was known that the coalition government had disputes on numerous economic matters, particularly the 2025 budget.

SCHOLZ ANNOUNCES THAT HE WILL REQUEST VOTE OF CONFIDENCE FROM PARLIAMENT ON JANUARY 15, 2025

Scholz expressed that he took this step to prevent harm to the country.

Scholz emphasized the need for a robust government in Germany to make necessary decisions, stating, “On January 15, 2025, I will seek a vote of confidence from the Federal Parliament. Members of Parliament will be able to decide whether to pave the way for an early election. This election may be held by the end of March as stipulated in the Constitution.” If he does not receive a vote of confidence, he will ask President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to call for an election. After this date, Germany can proceed to an early election within 60 days. FDP WITHDRAWS ALL ITS MINISTERS FROM THE GOVERNMENT AND SEVERS THE COALITION TIES FDP Federal Parliament Group Leader Christian Dürr announced in Berlin that following the removal of party leader and Finance Minister Christian Lindner from his ministerial position, all FDP ministers withdrew from the government. Dürr mentioned that all FDP ministers will submit their resignations to President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Therefore, FDP decided to end its coalition partnership with the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Greens. FDP LEADER LINDNER BLAMES PRIME MINISTER SCHOLZ

Removed Finance Minister Linder addressed the tension among government partners in the Federal Parliament. FDP leader Lindner stated, “The Chancellor (Olaf Scholz) asked me to suspend the debt brake dictated by the constitution. I could not accept this as it would violate my oath of office. Therefore, the Chancellor canceled the cooperation with me and the FDP at tonight’s coalition meeting.” Lindner pointed out that Chancellor Scholz proposed an early election to facilitate the formation of a new federal government and ensure Germany’s mobility, yet he harshly rejected this offer during the coalition meeting. Lindner emphasized that FDP has been carrying the responsibility of coalition partnership for almost three years, saying, “We have clear principles and beliefs. Our country is now at a crossroads. We need a new era of growth, prosperity, and innovation, and the Free Democrats are still ready to take responsibility for this country and will strive to do the same in another government next year.” Lindner criticized Prime Minister Olaf Scholz for not having the power to make Germany start anew. PROCESS LEADING TO THE GOVERNMENT CRISIS

Germany had been experiencing disagreements among the SPD, Greens, and FDP forming the coalition government over economic matters for some time. The coalition government struggled to reach an agreement on the 2025 budget, the second pension package, and a growth initiative called “Growth Initiative-New Economic Dynamics for Germany.” In particular, FDP’s hawkish financial stance caused disagreements with its partners over the 2025 budget, creating a sense of government crisis in the country. Finance Minister Christian Lindner and Economy and Climate Protection Minister Robert Habeck presented different and independent proposals for revitalizing the economy. The lack of coordination in presenting these proposals led to a deep rift within the coalition. Due to these differing opinions, FDP leader Finance Minister Christian Lindner proposed an early election, which was rejected by Prime Minister Scholz, resulting in the removal of Lindner from his ministerial position. It is expected that the general elections scheduled for September 28, 2025, will be brought forward to an earlier date due to the ongoing government crisis. Prime Minister Scholz announced that he would request a vote of confidence on January 15, 2025, for this purpose. If he does not receive a vote of confidence, he will ask President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to call for an election, and Germany can proceed to an early election within 60 days. An early election could potentially take place in Germany as early as March 9, 2025. FDP had ministers in the government in the Finance, Justice, Transportation, and Education sectors.