The German government is on the brink of collapse after Chancellor Olaf Scholz abruptly sacked the finance minister, plunging Europe's largest economy into political turmoil.
Christian Linder was removed from the three-way coalition at a senior government meeting on Wednesday night after months of bitter infighting that increased the government's unpopularity.
Government insiders have suggested that a victory for Donald Trump in the US presidential election would focus attention in Berlin and force leaders of the Social Democrats, Greens and FDP to realize the need for unity. . However, the discord and hatred in Berlin seemed to show no signs of abating.
Lindner, 45, the pro-business FDP leader, delivered a controversial 18-page ultimatum on Friday calling on the government to overhaul next year's budget plans.
He has repeatedly warned of an “autumn of decisions” as budget talks stall.
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His dismissal will likely lead to a snap general election in March, six months earlier than planned.
The fallout is expected to plunge Germany into a prolonged period of uncertainty as Europe's leaders try to come together to prepare for the challenges ahead, including a possible trade war with the United States.
Germany, Ukraine's second-largest supporter after the United States, is worried that the United States will be forced to shoulder a much larger share of the war effort if President Trump makes good on his threat to cut support for Kiev. We are also facing concerns that
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