Germany is facing a major political crisis as Chancellor Olaf Scholz's ruling coalition collapses, potentially leading to early elections next year. The collapse comes as Germany grapples with an economic downturn and concerns about the impact of Donald Trump's return to the White House. Scholz has called for a vote of confidence by January 15 to determine whether early elections should be held. The coalition fell apart after Scholz fired his Finance Minister Christian Lindner, citing a lack of trust. The Green Party, the third alliance partner, has indicated that it will stay on in a minority government.