German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will face a confidence vote on December 16, paving the way for an early general election in February, the leader of Scholz's Social Democrats (SPD) in parliament said on Tuesday (November 12).

Germany's governing coalition had long been characterized by perpetual bickering and very little progress. Ultimately, Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Finance Minister Christian Lindner found it impossible to get along.

Europe’s largest economy was thrown into disarray last week with the collapse of Scholz’s three-way coalition and disagreements over how much money the government should spend to encourage growth and support Ukraine.

Friedrich Merz, the leader of the Christian democratic (CDU/CSU) opposition, is pushing for a confidence vote before Christmas.

Germany’s leader is expected to lead the country with a minority government after the collapse of the coalition.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has fired Finance Minister Christian Lindner, the head of a party that is part of Berlin’s three-party coalition. The decision strips the ruling traffic light coalition of its majority, and raises the possibility of an early election.

Germany’s election campaign kicks into high gear on Wednesday, when Chancellor Olaf Scholz makes his case in a public address for another term, despite polls showing voters are overwhelmingly looking for a change.

The decision follows the Free Democrats’ exit from the coalition, leaving Chancellor Olaf Scholz without a majority.

The German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has announced a vote of confidence in his government following the coalition's collapse. This move could pave the way for early parliamentary elections, which pose significant political and organisational challenges.