Scholz Fires Lindner, Calls for Confidence Vote in January

"He Broke My Trust"

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has fired Finance Minister Christian Lindner and called for a confidence vote in the Bundestag in January.

Scholz announced his decision at a press conference in Berlin on Wednesday, saying that he had lost confidence in Lindner's ability to lead the Finance Ministry.

"I have come to the conclusion that Christian Lindner is no longer able to fulfill his duties as Finance Minister," Scholz said. "He has broken my trust."

Lindner: "I Am Deeply Disappointed"

Lindner said in a statement that he was "deeply disappointed" by Scholz's decision.

"I have always acted in the best interests of Germany and its citizens," Lindner said. "I am proud of my record as Finance Minister."

Lindner added that he would continue to work for the FDP in the Bundestag and would support the government from the opposition benches.

Confidence Vote in January

Scholz said that he would call for a confidence vote in the Bundestag on Jan. 19.

If Scholz loses the vote, he will be forced to resign as Chancellor.

Opposition Parties Call for New Elections

The opposition parties have called for new elections in the wake of Scholz's announcement.

The leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Friedrich Merz, said that "the government has lost its legitimacy."

"New elections are the only way to restore trust in our democracy," Merz said.

Political Crisis Deepens

Scholz's decision to fire Lindner has plunged Germany into a political crisis.

The FDP is the junior partner in Scholz's coalition government, and its departure would leave the government with a minority in the Bundestag.

It is unclear whether Scholz will be able to survive the confidence vote in January. If he loses, it could lead to new elections and a prolonged period of political instability in Germany.