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

The German government is on the brink of collapse after the chancellor, Olaf Scholz, unexpectedly fired his finance minister, throwing Europe’s biggest economy into political disarray.

Christian Linder was kicked out of the three-way coalition during a meeting of high-level cabinet members on Wednesday night, after months of bitter infighting that has contributed to the administration’s growing unpopularity.

Government insiders had suggested that Donald Trump’s victory in the US election would focus minds in Berlin, forcing leaders of the Social Democrats, Greens and FDP to recognize the need for unity. But the discord and anger in Berlin showed no signs of abating.

Lindner, 45, is the leader 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 negotiations loomed.

His firing is likely to lead to snap elections in March, six months ahead of schedule.

The fallout is expected to plunge Germany into a prolonged period of uncertainty at a time when European leaders have been trying to pull themselves together ahead of upcoming challenges, including a possible trade war with the United States.

As Ukraine’s second-biggest backer after the United States, Germany also faces concerns that it will be left by Washington to shoulder a far greater share of the war effort if Trump carries out his threat to cut aid to Kiev.

More details soon…