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Germany's Coalition Crisis: Will It Last Until Elections?

Tensions rise within Germany's ruling coalition, threatening the government's stability as economic debates heat up.

By Steven Erlanger and Christopher F. SchuetzeSource: nytimes.com1 min read
Germany's Coalition Crisis: Will It Last Until Elections?
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In brief

Germany's three-party coalition is facing potential collapse due to disagreements over economic policies. With elections on the horizon, the future remains uncertain.

Germany’s three-party coalition government is on shaky ground, facing deep divisions that could lead to its collapse before the next elections set for September 2025. The coalition, consisting of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democrats, the Greens, and the Free Democratic Party (FDP), is struggling with policy paralysis amid a stagnating economy.Tensions escalated recently when FDP leader Christian Lindner released a controversial 18-page position paper advocating for significant economic changes, including cuts to social service payments and adherence to EU climate regulations. This proposal has not been well received by his coalition partners, sparking fears of a split.Previously, the coalition suffered losses in three state elections, and Lindner warned of crucial decisions ahead. He suggested that if their policies don’t align, the FDP might consider leaving the coalition. As negotiations heat up, Germany faces a potential political crisis at a critical time.

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