German govt in crisis as coalition collapses

Scholz fires finance minister after rows over spending, calls for confidence vote

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called for a vote of confidence on Jan 15 after his ruling three-party coalition collapsed on Wednesday following his announcement to fire Finance Minister Christian Lindner amid rows over economic plans.

If Scholz loses the confidence vote from lawmakers, a snap election is expected to be held before the end of March.

"All too often, Minister Lindner has blocked laws in an inappropriate manner," Scholz said in a statement on Wednesday.