FDP's Calculated Coalition Exit Strategy Unveiled

The Free Democratic Party (FDP) meticulously planned its departure from the traffic light coalition, as revealed by a strategic document the party released. This internal paper outlined a comprehensive exit strategy, detailing the ideal timing, media narratives, and tactics to ensure a controlled communication flow. The FDP argued that the coalition's stagnation was detrimental to the nation, with the federal government becoming a significant risk to the country's economic positioning.

The document portrayed a four-phase plan, described as a "D-Day" scenario, to orchestrate the coalition break. It highlighted mid-November as the optimal exit period, aiming to sidestep potential complications from the U.S. presidential election, budget negotiations, and the Green Party's convention. The FDP also emphasized the necessity of new elections to resolve fundamental policy differences within the government.

The strategic paper's release stirred controversy and criticism from former coalition partners, including the SPD and the Greens, who expressed outrage at the FDP's combative language and approach. They accused the party of attempting to engineer a dramatic political rupture, likening the strategy to an "open battlefield".

As the FDP faced backlash, internal figures, including General Secretary Bijan Djir-Sarai, initially denied awareness of such plans, but reports indicated his involvement in the discussions. The publication of the document and subsequent fallout have led to calls for accountability and transparency from the FDP, as well as demands for an apology from its leadership. The episode has sparked a wider debate about political integrity and strategy within the German political landscape.