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Opposition leader Friedrich Merz, right, of CDU speaks as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, centre, looks on during a plenary session at the German parliament Bundestag where he faces a vote of confidence, Berlin, Germany, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Opposition leader Friedrich Merz, right, of CDU speaks as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, centre, looks on during a plenary session at the German parliament Bundestag where he faces a vote of confidence, Berlin, Germany, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, right, shakes hand with Economy and Climate Minister Robert Habeck after losing a vote of confidence during a plenary session at the German parliament Bundestag, Berlin, Germany, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, right, shakes hand with Economy and Climate Minister Robert Habeck after losing a vote of confidence during a plenary session at the German parliament Bundestag, Berlin, Germany, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz holds the draft SPD election program for the 2025 Bundestag elections in his hands during the presentation, in Berlin, Tuesday Dec. 17, 2024. (Michael Kappeler/dpa via AP)

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz holds the draft SPD election program for the 2025 Bundestag elections in his hands during the presentation, in Berlin, Tuesday Dec. 17, 2024. (Michael Kappeler/dpa via AP)