BERLIN

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier called on political leaders Thursday to act responsibly and prioritize national stability following the unexpected dissolution of the country's left-liberal coalition government.

"The end of a coalition is not the end of the world," Steinmeier told a press conference in Berlin. "It is a political crisis that we must and will put behind us."

Steinmeier emphasized that Germany's constitution provides clear guidelines for the political process moving forward. "Our democracy is strong," he stressed.

The coalition government led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz collapsed Wednesday evening amid escalating tensions with the coalition's junior partner, the liberal Free Democratic Party (FDP), over economic policy.

Social Democrat Scholz removed Finance Minister Christian Lindner from his Cabinet, accusing the FDP leader of being "untrustworthy" and using "petty political tactics" to block compromise efforts among coalition partners.

Steinmeier said he would dismiss Finance Minister Christian Lindner upon Chancellor Scholz's request later in the day, along with two other FDP ministers who had requested to step down.

The president said Chancellor Scholz and the remaining ministers will stay in office, as stipulated by the constitution.

"The chancellor has declared that he will ask parliament for a vote of confidence," Steinmeier said. "This is how Parliament can pave the way for new elections."

He added that he is prepared to make a decision if parliament withdraws its confidence in the chancellor, but emphasized that Germany needs stable majorities and a government capable of taking action.

"Many people in our country are concerned about an uncertain political situation — in our own country, in Europe, in the world, and also after the elections in the US," Steinmeier said. "This is not the time for tactics and skirmishes. It is the time for reason and responsibility. I expect all those responsible to live up to the magnitude of the challenges."

Germany's three-way coalition between the Social Democrats, the Greens, and the FDP had long been grappling with internal tensions due to disagreements over the budget, welfare programs, ambitious climate goals, and the contentious issue of new debt to finance investments.

On Wednesday night, Scholz announced he would seek a vote of confidence in January, potentially paving the way for early elections by March at the latest.

"In the very first week of the parliamentary session in the new year, I will put forward the vote of confidence so that the Bundestag can vote on it on Jan. 15," Scholz said.

"This will allow members of the Bundestag to decide whether to clear the way for early elections. These elections could then take place by the end of March at the latest."