Breaking news. German coalition government collapses: Chancellor Scholz fires Finance Minister Lindner

The ruling German coalition has apparently collapsed: according to several media reports, Chancellor Olaf Scholz, of the Social Democrats (SPD) has sacked Finance Minister Christian Lindner of the Liberals (FDP).

The leaders of what is known in Germany as the "traffic light coalition" - SPD, FDP and the Greens - had gathered at the chancellery in Berlin in the evening.

Lindner is said to have suggested new elections to Scholz for early 2025.

Scholz is reported to appear before the press shortly.