Germany's governing coalition had long been characterized by perpetual bickering and very little progress. Ultimately, Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Finance Minister Christian Lindner found it impossible to get along.

Olaf Scholz's remaining coalition partner said on Monday it was open to an earlier parliamentary vote to open the way to a snap election, joining with opposition parties to urge Germany's chancellor to provide clarity on the matter this week.

Chancellor is open to moving poll date forward to January, but some fear early vote will bring high risks for smaller parties

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has announced that he will ask for a vote of confidence on Dec. 16, paving the way forward for an early parliamentary election in February

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says he'll hold a vote of confidence in parliament next month ahead of election next year

Mr Scholz declared his plans for the vote of confidence one week after his three-party coalition government collapsed.