BERLIN — Germany’s center-left Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced Wednesday he was firing Finance Minister Christian Lindner, which could undermine the ruling three-party coalition that relies on Lindner’s pro-business party.
“I feel compelled to take this step to prevent damage to our country. We need an effective government that has the strength to make the necessary decisions for our country," Scholz said. It was not immediately clear if the Free Democrats would leave the government coalition in reaction. Meetings among the three party coalition earlier Wednesday were seen as a last-ditch attempt to patch up the partnership.