German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has dismissed Finance Minister Christian Lindner, a move that threatens the stability of the country's three-party coalition.

The dismissal, confirmed by Scholz's spokesman Steffen Hebestreit, occurred during a critical meeting at the chancellery involving leaders of the Social Democrats, Free Democrats, and the Greens.

Lindner, a fiscal conservative from the Free Democrats, had pushed for significant economic reforms opposed by the Social Democrats and the Greens, leading to prolonged conflicts within the coalition.

Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck of the Greens highlighted the importance of government stability amid global challenges such as the US presidential election, economic issues in Germany, and conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Despite the tension, Scholz reportedly plans to continue in a minority government until the next scheduled elections in September 2025, rejecting Lindner's suggestion for earlier elections.

The coalition's future remains uncertain as negotiations continue.