Title: Scholz Denies Intention to Step Down Early

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz confirmed that he "does not intend to leave his position early or submit a vote of confidence for his government to parliament." In an interview with the newspaper Zeit, Scholz described media reports discussing a meeting to consider changing the chancellor or voting on a confidence motion for his government as "fairy tales." When asked if he was thinking about resigning, he replied, "No." He added, if the question is, "Are you considering resignation?" the answer is no. Previously, media outlets reported that Scholz might leave his chancellorship in early 2024, with Defense Minister Boris Pistorius named as a likely successor.