Unexpected move throws Europe’s largest economy into political disarray and is likely to lead to snap elections in March
By Kate Connolly in Berlin
6 Nov 2024
The German government was left on the brink of collapse after the chancellor, Olaf Scholz, unexpectedly sacked his finance minister, plunging Europe’s largest economy into political disarray.
Christian Lindner was thrown out of the three-way coalition during a meeting of high-level government members on Wednesday evening, after months of bitter infighting that has contributed to the administration’s growing unpopularity.
Government insiders had suggested Donald Trump’s electoral victory would focus minds in Berlin and force leaders of the Social Democrats, Greens and the FDP to recognise the need for unity. But the discord and rancour in Berlin appeared to show no signs of subsiding.
Hours after Lindner’s sacking, the FDP withdrew the rest of its ministers from the cabinet, spelling the end of the beleaguered and unpopular three-way coalition
In a televised address to the nation, Scholz said that he will seek a vote of confidence in January that would pave the way for early elections by March.
Scholz said he had offered Lindner a plan to bring down energy costs, boost investment and maintain support for Ukraine.
But Lindner had shown “no willingness” to accept it, Scholz said.
“The situation is serious,” Scholz added. “There is war in Europe, tensions are increasing in the Middle East. At the same time, our economy is stagnating.”
He said: “We need to invest considerably more in our defence and in the Bundeswehr, especially now, after the outcome of the US elections.”
Scholz made little effort to hide his frustration, accusing Lindner of egotism, refusing to compromise and using “small-minded, party political tactics” at a time of growing insecurity.
The chancellor apologised to the German people, saying he “would have liked to have spared you this difficult decision, especially in times like these when uncertainty is growing”, a direct reference to the US presidential election.
Lindner, 45, is the head of the pro-business FDP, which on Friday delivered a controversial 18-page ultimatum calling on the government to radically redraw its budget plans for next year.
He had repeatedly warned of “an autumn of decisions” as difficult budget talks have loomed
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