– German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said he was fine with holding a vote of confidence before Christmas. At the same time, he added, “I'm not attached to my position.'' The politician previously said the vote was scheduled for mid-January. After Germany's coalition government collapsed, the country's president announced he was open to early elections.
The crisis in Germany's government came to a head on Wednesday when the finance minister proposed an early election but was later sacked. The coalition government collapsed and the German chancellor announced a vote of confidence in the government. The vote was originally scheduled to take place on January 15, but opposition parties are demanding it be held this week.
Germany. A vote of confidence in the government will be possible again this year.
– Holding a vote of confidence before Christmas is not a problem for me, Olaf Scholz said on the ARD public television program on Sunday evening. The politician stressed that he hopes it will go smoothly. “I'm not attached to my position,” the prime minister said.
After the coalition government collapsed, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said he was prepared to dissolve parliament to allow early elections to be held. At the same time, after Donald Trump's victory, he called for responsibility and decency from all political parties. “This is not the time for tactics or skirmishes,” he said.
See: Crisis in the German Government. Finance Minister Olaf Scholz dismissed
Scholz on Wednesday fired FDP finance minister Christian Lindner. He said the reason was disagreements over economic and budgetary policies. This decision deprived the government of its majority in parliament.
– Greater fiscal maneuverability is needed in the face of the changes brought about by Donald Trump's US election victory and the economic climate. Those who do not understand this and refuse to compromise are acting irresponsibly, the Prime Minister said at the time.
If Scholz is defeated in a vote of confidence, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier would have to dissolve parliament within 21 days and hold new elections within 60 days.
Mr. Scholz met with Mr. Trump. He also wants to have contact with President Putin.
On the night between Sunday and Monday, a German government spokesperson announced that Scholz spoke by phone with Donald Trump. “The two countries agreed to work together to restore peace in Europe,” Steffen Hebestreit said.
It added that Trump and Scholz “exchanged views on U.S.-German relations and current geopolitical issues.” The two leaders also emphasized that they were “ready to cooperate towards restoring peace in Europe.”
See also: The German government is on the brink. new elections almost certain
At the same time, German government leaders said on ARD TV that they intend to resume dialogue with President Vladimir Putin. – Yes, we will speak to the Russian president at the appropriate time, Olaf Scholz said on Sunday evening. – I am a responsible politician and will not do it alone, on my own – he declared.
Asked when the “right time” would be to meet with President Putin, the German chancellor answered “soon.”
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