Early elections on the cards in Germany after Scholz sacks Finance Minister [Video]

GERMAN CHANCELLOR OLAF Scholz said today amid a deep coalition crisis that he will seek a vote of confidence in January that would pave the way for early elections by March.

He spoke after firing his rebellious Finance Minister Christian Lindner in a dramatic night session of his three-party coalition, declaring there was no longer any “basis of trust”.

Scholz said he planned to ask for a vote of confidence by January 15 so that MPs “can decide whether to clear the way for early elections” which could be held by late March — six months earlier than scheduled.

The embattled chancellor also said he would seek talks with conservative opposition leader Friedrich Merz with the offer to “work together constructively on issues that are crucial for our country”, especially on the economy and defence.

Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck signalled that his Greens party would stay on in a minority …