On November 6th long-bubbling rows in Germany’s three-party coalition finally boiled over, when Olaf Scholz, the Social Democrat (spd) chancellor, fired Christian Lindner, his finance minister, leader of the liberal Free Democrats (fdp),

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says he will ask for a vote of confidence on Dec. 16, paving the way forward for an early parliamentary election in February.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says he'll hold a vote of confidence in parliament next month ahead of election next year

German conservative leader Friedrich Merz launched his election bid with a stinging attack on Chancellor Olaf Scholz, calling the Social Democrat a “lightweight” and accusing him of sowing division in Europe’s biggest economy.

Olaf Scholz's remaining coalition partner said on Monday it was open to an earlier parliamentary vote to open the way to a snap election, joining with opposition parties to urge Germany's chancellor to provide clarity on the matter this week.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz urges action on social benefits and tax reforms ahead of Germany's February snap election. Facing a conservative opposition surge, Scholz emphasizes balancing security with prosperity.

A political crisis persists in Germany. On 16 December, the Bundestag will vote on a confidence motion for Olaf Scholz's government. On Wednesday, the German Chancellor announced that he would formally request the Bundestag to vote on his government’s motion of confidence on 11 December.

A political crisis continues in Germany. On December 16, the Bundestag will vote on a confidence motion for Olaf Scholz's government. On Wednesday, the German Chancellor announced that he would officially request the Bundestag to vote on his government’s confidence motion on December 11.

Mr Scholz declared his plans for the vote of confidence one week after his three-party coalition government collapsed.