The collapse of Germany’s governing coalition between Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democrats (SPD), the Greens, and the Free Democratic Party (FDP) occurred due to a dispute over approving the Taurus missile supplies to Ukraine. This is according to FDP leader Christian Lindner, Germany’s Finance Minister, whom Scholz has fired on 6 November. The next day after his dismissal, Lindner accused Scholz of obstructing effective support for Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s invasion, according to Berliner Zeitung.

After Scholz dismissed Lindner, this prompted the resignations of Justice Minister Marco Buschmann and Education Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger, both from the FDP. In contrast, Transport Minister Volker Wissing announced that he would leave the FDP but remain in his position until the planned new elections.

Lindner claimed that during a coalition committee meeting the previous day, Scholz had proposed providing additional financial assistance to Ukraine. However, Lindner says he argued that monetary aid would have little impact and suggested transferring Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, a move that Scholz “categorically rejected” and instead informed Lindner of his dismissal.

Lindner recounted that the committee had addressed Germany’s international push to raise $50 billion in support of Ukraine, and the Chancellor proposed an additional three billion euros for Ukraine. Lindner says he argued this would not make a difference, “given the volume of funds available.”

“I said […], If we want a different, stronger support for Ukraine, then an additional three billion euros is not necessary. Then Germany should make the decision to equip Ukraine with the weapons systems that the Ukrainians need to defend their freedom, in particular the Taurus weapons system. There was no willingness to do this,” Lindner noted.

Lindner urged Scholz to call for a vote of confidence and new elections, arguing that “Our country needs a government that does not just hold office but can act.” He expressed concern that the Chancellery should not become “a campaign headquarters” and stressed the importance of swift new elections for the country.

Ruling FDP and opposition CDU support giving Ukraine Taurus

The FDP’s stance aligns with that of the opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU). CDU leader Friedrich Merz had recently called for Germany to issue a 24-hour ultimatum to Russia to cease attacks on civilian and infrastructure targets, warning that failure to do so should result in Germany providing Taurus missiles to Ukraine.

Related:

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• German opposition leader Merz proposes conditional Taurus missile delivery to Ukraine
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• Scholz doubles down on Germany’s stance against providing Taurus missiles to Kyiv