Germany’s governing coalition has collapsed after disagreements over the country’s weak economy led Chancellor Olaf Scholz to sack his finance minister.

After months of disputes, Chancellor Olaf Scholz ousted one of his governing partners, adding to the challenges for Europe since Donald Trump’s election.

Germany's brittle three-way coalition has finally snapped after months of bickering over spending for climate protections and the war in Ukraine.

He said he would remain in office until January 15 and attempt to get the most important legislation done, suggesting he would talk to opposition leader Friedrich Merz’ of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) to pass laws relating to the economy and defense.

A breakup of the divided and unpopular coalition well before elections set for next September could leave the country directionless at a critical time for Europe.

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

Chancellor Olaf Scholz fired his finance minister and announced a confidence vote that is widely expect to fail and pave the way to early elections in March.

Under rules created to prevent the kind of coalition chaos that hastened the end of Germany's interwar democracy, the chancellor largely controls the pace of events: the oppositio