Scholz hopes to demand vote of confidence in January

German Chancellor Olaf Schulz wants to call for a vote of confidence in parliament and decide on early elections. Social Democratic politicians in Berlin said the Bundestag should vote on the matter on January 15. “In this way, Bundestag members can decide whether to clear the way for snap elections,” he added. The elections will be held “in compliance with the deadlines set out in the Basic Law, by the end of March at the latest.” Regular federal elections are scheduled for September 2025.

Scholz previously fired Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) after proposing re-election to the Bundestag. In his speech, Scholz sharply attacked Lindner. He said Lindner frequently betrayed his trust.

You can watch Scholz's press conference Wednesday night here:

German Chancellor Olaf Schulz (Social Democratic Party) has made serious accusations against Finance Minister Christian Lindner. Berlin's Scholz said the FDP politician was worried about his clients and his party's short-term survival. He said the country's businesses needed support, citing a weak economy and high energy prices. He also mentioned international situations such as the war in the Middle East and Ukraine. “In these circumstances, anyone who rejects proposals for solutions or compromise would be acting irresponsibly. As chancellor, I will not tolerate this.”

Scholz accused Lindner of drowning out compromise through public debate and blocking irrelevant laws during his time in government. “He often uses narrow party political tactics. He has betrayed my trust multiple times. “There is no basis of trust for further cooperation. “Serious government work like this is out of the question.”

Lindner recommends new elections

According to the news, Lindner suggested that the Traffic Light Party should work together to hold new elections as soon as possible in early 2025, as they did in 2005, so that the new German government can be formed “in an orderly and dignified manner.” The Liberal Democrats are willing to jointly decide on the supplementary budget for 2024 and become part of the caretaker federal government.

The leaders of the Social Democrats, Greens and FDP had previously discussed for two and a half hours to find a way out of the traffic light crisis. Essentially, it's about how to fill a multibillion-dollar hole in the 2025 budget and get Germany's battered economy back on track.

Scholz suggested working with Merz

Chancellor Olaf Scholz wants to work quickly with federal faction leader Friedrich Merz (CDU) to find solutions to strengthen the economy and defence. “I will now soon seek a dialogue with opposition leader Friedrich Merz,” the SPD politician in Berlin said. The prime minister said he expected Merz to cooperate constructively on two or more issues “that are crucial for our country: the rapid strengthening of our economy and our defense.”

Scholz added that the economy cannot wait until new elections are held and “we need clarity now on how to solidly fund our security and defense in the coming years without compromising the cohesion of the country.” Even taking into account the U.S. elections , which is “perhaps more urgent than ever.” The Prime Minister said: “This is about making the decisions our country needs now. I will discuss this with the responsible opposition.”

Lindner proclaimed the “autumn of decision-making.”

Lindner announced the league’s “fall decision” not long ago. He was referring mainly to next year's budget, which will be passed by the Bundestag on November 29. He is also concerned about strategies to guide Germany out of its economic crisis. His suggestions led to an escalation of disputes within the alliance. In his concept for economic recovery, Lindner calls for the eventual removal of the solidarity surcharge, even for high earners, and changes to climate policy.

These ideas have been strongly resisted by the Social Democrats and Greens. Habeck also took a step towards Lindner. On Monday, he agreed to use billions of dollars freed up after construction delays at Intel's Magdeburg plant to plug budget holes. (HKL/SDA/DPA)

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz wants to launch a vote of confidence in parliament and make a decision on early elections. Social Democratic politicians in Berlin said the Bundestag should vote on the matter on January 15. “In this way, Bundestag members can decide whether to clear the way for snap elections,” he added. The elections will be held “in compliance with the deadlines set out in the Basic Law, by the end of March at the latest.” Regular federal elections are scheduled for September 2025.