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Christian Lindner

Christian Lindner, the head of Germany's neoliberal Free Democrats (FDP), served as Federal Finance Minister from December 2021 to November 2024.

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Then-German Finance Minister Christian Lindner gestures with both hands while addressing lawmakers during a budget session

Then-German Finance Minister Christian Lindner gestures with both hands while addressing lawmakers during a budget session

Germany: FDP hatched plan to quit ruling coalition — reports

One of Germany's ruling parties reportedly devised an exit plan two months before the Olaf Scholz government collapsed.

Olaf Scholz sits at a desk filled with papers, as two other men sit across from him

Olaf Scholz sits at a desk filled with papers, as two other men sit across from him

What can Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz still get done?

Lame duck? Not quite: Chancellor Olaf Scholz is determined to use his last weeks in office to pass vital laws.

Scholz speaking to Merz on the sidelines of a debate in the Bundestag parliament

Scholz speaking to Merz on the sidelines of a debate in the Bundestag parliament

Germany's election campaigning kicks off in parliament

Chancellor Scholz wants opposition help to pass legislation before the election, but the conservative CDU is reluctant.

Olaf Scholz speaks while gesturing with his hands

Olaf Scholz speaks while gesturing with his hands

Germany headed for February 2025 snap election

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and the opposition have agreed on an early election in February 2025.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in a show on public broadcaster ARD

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in a show on public broadcaster ARD

Germany's Scholz ready to hold confidence vote this year

Pressure has been building on Chancellor Scholz to quickly hold a vote of confidence after his coalition collapsed.

A bundle of notes

A bundle of notes

Fact check: Does lifting debt brake defy an oath of office?

Germany's former finance minister said suspending the country's debt brake would violate his oath. It's not that simple.

Olaf Scholz and Friedrich Merz speaking to each other in the Bundestag. Archive image from 2023.

Olaf Scholz and Friedrich Merz speaking to each other in the Bundestag. Archive image from 2023.

Germany: Scholz open to new talks with CDU leader Merz

An ally said the chancellor would be willing to speak with the CDU head — after handling urgent Bundestag business.

Reichstag tower with German flag against a dark cloudy sky

Reichstag tower with German flag against a dark cloudy sky

German coalition's demise hits unsettled nation

The government has collapsed at a moment when the national mood is already besieged by multiple crises.

Germany Chancellor Olaf Scholz is under pressure to clear the way for an election fast.

Germany Chancellor Olaf Scholz is under pressure to clear the way for an election fast.

Scholz pressured to call no-confidence vote

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is under pressure to clear the way for an election fast.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, center left, speaks with Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban, center right, as he arrives for the European Political Community (EPC) Summit

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, center left, speaks with Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban, center right, as he arrives for the European Political Community (EPC) Summit

EU reels from Trump win, German Cabinet's fall

Just when the European Union needs leadership most, Germany's governing coalition has imploded — and a wild ride awaits.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz wearing a yellow helmet

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz wearing a yellow helmet

German government crisis: Businesses demand economic fixes

After the collapse of Germany's governing coalition, calls are mounting for rapid action to shore up the ailing economy.

Robert Habeck and Olaf Scholz looking grim

Robert Habeck and Olaf Scholz looking grim

Political wrangling starts after German coalition collapse

German Chancellor Scholz wants to continue heading a minority government of Social Democrats and Greens. Will it work?

Nach Ampel-Aus | Bundespräsident Steinmeier übergibt Entlassungsurkunde an Lindner

Nach Ampel-Aus | Bundespräsident Steinmeier übergibt Entlassungsurkunde an Lindner

Germany's governing coalition collapses: What now?

Chancellor Olaf Scholz, of the Social Democratic party, has called for a confidence-vote in January.

Olaf Scholz addressing the media on Wednesday evening (November 6, 2024)

Olaf Scholz addressing the media on Wednesday evening (November 6, 2024)

German Chancellor Scholz runs out of patience with coalition

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz displayed unusual fervor in explaining why he sacked his FDP coalition partner.

Robert Habeck, Olaf Scholz, Christian Lindner on their way to a joint press conference (file photo)

Robert Habeck, Olaf Scholz, Christian Lindner on their way to a joint press conference (file photo)

What's behind Germany's coalition government collapse?

Chancellor Scholz's announcement of a confidence vote could trigger an early parliamentary election by the end of March.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (L) and German Finance Minister Christian Lindner (R) during a joint press conference

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (L) and German Finance Minister Christian Lindner (R) during a joint press conference

Germany's coalition government collapses over ailing economy

Divisions over how to save Germany's feeble economy have led to the collapse of its government.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz addresses a press conference

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz addresses a press conference

Germany's Scholz sacks FDP finance minister

German Chancellor Scholz sacks Finance Minister Lindner and says he wants to call a confidence vote in January.

left to right: Christian Lindner, Olaf Scholz, Robert Habeck

left to right: Christian Lindner, Olaf Scholz, Robert Habeck

Germany's coalition government falls apart — how it happened

Germany's first three-way coalition government is now history. DW details what brought the country to this point.

Left to right: Robert Habeck, Olaf Scholz, Christian Lindner

Left to right: Robert Habeck, Olaf Scholz, Christian Lindner

German government descends into crisis mode

Chancellor Olaf Scholz is trying to hold his government together, but his partners seem unable to stop infighting.

An outside view of the chancellor's office, with the heads of Finance Minister Christian Lindner (L) and Chancellor Olaf Scholz (R) just visible

An outside view of the chancellor's office, with the heads of Finance Minister Christian Lindner (L) and Chancellor Olaf Scholz (R) just visible

Why Germany's coalition government is under threat

The FDP finance minister has triggered a dispute that observers say is backing his coalition partners into a corner.

DW Sendung "To the point" | Totale

DW Sendung "To the point" | Totale

Is the German economy going down the drain?

Germany’s ecomomy keeps shrinking – is the Scholz government part of the problem?

Demonstrators against the far-right in Erfurt on August 25. 2024

Demonstrators against the far-right in Erfurt on August 25. 2024

Germans divided over far-right AfD ban

Two-thirds of German voters polled in October see the rise of the AfD as a threat to democracy and the rule of law.

Kevin Kühnert autograph cards

Kevin Kühnert autograph cards

Germany: Surprise SPD resignation puts pressure on party

SPD General Secretary Kevin Kühnert is giving up all political offices. This comes at an inopportune time for the party.

Olaf Scholz (right), Robert Habeck (middle), and Christian Lindner (left) sitting in Germany's parliament

Olaf Scholz (right), Robert Habeck (middle), and Christian Lindner (left) sitting in Germany's parliament

Can the German government survive its 'ultimatum autumn'?

Whatever the issue, the German government coalition is at odds. But now coalition partner FDP has issued an ultimatum.

Brandenburg state Premier Dietmar Woidke surveying flood defenses on the Oder River in Frankfurt an der Oder in eastern Germany.

Brandenburg state Premier Dietmar Woidke surveying flood defenses on the Oder River in Frankfurt an der Oder in eastern Germany.

Brandenburg election: Campaigns and a concert on eve of vote

Politicians made last-ditch pitches in Brandenburg before Sunday's state election, with the far-right AfD a frontrunner.

Sign and two bulldozers at construction site in Magdeburg, Germany

Sign and two bulldozers at construction site in Magdeburg, Germany

Germany: Intel delays construction of Magdeburg factory

US chipmaker Intel has delayed a German factory construction project by two years amid cost-saving measures.

A person leafs through a stack of ballot papers on a table

A person leafs through a stack of ballot papers on a table

Germany's political landscape is more fractured than ever

The successes of the AfD and BSW in the state elections in Saxony and Thuringia has changed the German party system.

German Labor Minister Hubertus Heil

German Labor Minister Hubertus Heil

Germany: Labor minister calls for higher minimum wage

Hubertus Heil said he wants to raise the federal minimum wage to €15 with trade unions welcoming the call.

Olaf Scholz and Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin

Olaf Scholz and Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin

Germany wants to limit aid to Ukraine

As of 2026, the German government wants to use sources other than the federal budget to support Ukraine.

Euro notes and coins

Euro notes and coins

German government at loggerheads over budget

Finance Minister Christian Lindner fears that part of the draft 2025 budget is unconstitutional.

Finance Minister Lindner, Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck

Finance Minister Lindner, Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck

Germany's coalition agrees on a budget for 2025

Germany's Cabinet has agreed on a draft budget for 2025, including policies to counter recent weak growth.

(L to R) German Finance Minister Christian Lindner, German Economy Minister Robert
Habeck and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz seen during a joint press conference

(L to R) German Finance Minister Christian Lindner, German Economy Minister Robert
Habeck and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz seen during a joint press conference

German Cabinet approves budget for 2025

The three governing parties had tensely negotiated the budget for weeks. DW looks at the challenges that remain.

A view of (L to R) Christian Lindner, Robert Habeck and Olaf Scholz during their joint press conference

A view of (L to R) Christian Lindner, Robert Habeck and Olaf Scholz during their joint press conference

German coalition reaches 2025 budget deal

The agreement ends weeks of difficult negotiations over the finances of Europe's largest economy.

Christian Lindner, Olaf Scholz and Robert Habeck

Christian Lindner, Olaf Scholz and Robert Habeck

Germany: Families gain more support in draft 2025 budget

A draft budget presented by leaders from Germany's ruling coalition includes higher benefits for families.

Regional trains in Germany

Regional trains in Germany

Germany: Lindner puts price of 49-euro ticket up for debate

Germany's finance minister says the ticket may need to be more expensive if rail modernization plans are to go ahead.

DW Director General Peter Limbourg (left) stands next to Yulia Navalnaya (center left) as German Finance Minister Christian Lindner (R) and Director of the Anti-Corruption Foundation, Ivan Zhdanov (center right), look on

DW Director General Peter Limbourg (left) stands next to Yulia Navalnaya (center left) as German Finance Minister Christian Lindner (R) and Director of the Anti-Corruption Foundation, Ivan Zhdanov (center right), look on

Yulia Navalnaya receives DW's Freedom of Speech Award

Speaking at a ceremony in Berlin, Alexei Navalny's widow said the fight against President Vladimir Putin would go on.

Yulia Navalnaya, holding the award, gestures to German Finance Minister Christian Lindner and DW Director General Peter Limbourg. Berlin, June 5, 2024.

Yulia Navalnaya, holding the award, gestures to German Finance Minister Christian Lindner and DW Director General Peter Limbourg. Berlin, June 5, 2024.

Yulia Navalnaya: Free speech is our 'most important weapon'

Although Vladimir Putin killed her husband, Yulia Navalnaya said Russia's leader "didn't silence him and his ideas."

Berlin | Beginn 75. Ordentlicher Bundesparteitag der FDP

Berlin | Beginn 75. Ordentlicher Bundesparteitag der FDP

Germany faces challenge as 2025 tax forecast sinks

Finance Minister Christian Lindner said it was clear that the public sector would have to tighten its belt.

Billboards showing CDU and SPD election posters

Billboards showing CDU and SPD election posters

EU election: Immigration top concern in Germany

Polls for the European Parliament elections will close on June 9. German voters are showing little interest.

A view of the offices of the Russian Justice Ministry behind a metal gate

A view of the offices of the Russian Justice Ministry behind a metal gate

Russia declares German foundation 'undesirable'

The free-market think-tank said it was a sign of Russia's "threat to civil and human rights."

Finance Minister Christian Lindner, Economy Minister Robert Habeck, and Chancellor Olaf Scholz (left to right)

Finance Minister Christian Lindner, Economy Minister Robert Habeck, and Chancellor Olaf Scholz (left to right)

Germany: What's holding Olaf Scholz's coalition together?

The German government coalition parties are arguing about everything, including Ukraine, but above all about money.

Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann speaks into a DW microphone

Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann speaks into a DW microphone

Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann (FDP) on her EU ambitions

The German MP told DW that she won't run away from problems at home and wants to continue standing by Ukraine.

Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann among Bundeswehr soldiers returning from Mali in 2023

Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann among Bundeswehr soldiers returning from Mali in 2023

German defense hawk sets sights on EU job

As chair of the defense committee, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann is one of Germany's most vocal supporters of Ukraine.

A palm oil farmer loads palm oil seeds onto a truck in Kampar, Riau province, Malaysia

A palm oil farmer loads palm oil seeds onto a truck in Kampar, Riau province, Malaysia

EU supply chain law postponed amid German FDP opposition

The German business-focused FDP said an EU supply chain law would burden companies with cumbersome bureaucracy.

Germany's Bundestag holds session amid vote on 2024 budget

Germany's Bundestag holds session amid vote on 2024 budget

German Bundestag approves controversial diesel subsidy cuts

The measure is part of the German government financial plans for 2024.

Olaf Scholz (r) and Robert Habeck listening to the debate on the 2024 budget

Olaf Scholz (r) and Robert Habeck listening to the debate on the 2024 budget

Budget woes: What can Germany still afford?

The controversial budget for 2024 is being debated in parliament this week.

woman gazing at a wall with historic election posters exhibited in the Museum of German History in Bonn

woman gazing at a wall with historic election posters exhibited in the Museum of German History in Bonn

How to found a political party in Germany

In theory, anyone in Germany can found a party, even foreigners. However, there are certain requirements.

Berlin Bauernprotest Traktoren

Berlin Bauernprotest Traktoren

German farmers vow to fight on after week of protest

In Germany, nationwide protests by farmers have ended with thousands of agriculture workers rallying in Berlin.

Farmers protests in Berlin, with many people and tractors in the street. Berlin's Brandenburg Gate is visible in the Background

Farmers protests in Berlin, with many people and tractors in the street. Berlin's Brandenburg Gate is visible in the Background

Germany in protest mode: From farmers to train drivers

The country's been rocked by street demonstrations and strikes as frustration mounts. What is happening in Germany?

silhouette of a man kneeling, pulling a hose with fire and burned out cars in the background after a Russian missile attack in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv

silhouette of a man kneeling, pulling a hose with fire and burned out cars in the background after a Russian missile attack in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv

War, inflation, flooding: Germans' negative outlook on 2024

German voters are pessimistic about the country's prospects for the new year, and have little faith in their government.