FDP leadership has strategically planned their exit from the governing traffic light coalition, as outlined in an internal document titled ‘D-Day Scenarios and Measures.’ This eight-page strategy details the timing and media approach for their departure, coinciding with anticipated coalition dissolution. FDP officials assert that ongoing stagnation necessitates new elections, while the SPD criticizes the FDP for undermining public trust and political accountability during this process.
FDP’s Strategic Exit Plan from the Coalition
The leadership of the FDP has carefully orchestrated their departure from the governing coalition, coinciding with the anticipated conclusion of the traffic light coalition. This strategy is detailed in a recently disclosed internal document titled ‘D-Day Scenarios and Measures’.
This internal strategy document from the FDP offers fresh insights into their preparations for exiting the traffic light coalition. Spanning eight pages, the document outlines the optimal timing for their exit, alongside proposed media strategies.
The portal Table.Briefings was the first to report on the paper, which FDP General Secretary Bijan Djir-Sarai later confirmed. To maintain transparency, the FDP has published this document—which appears to be a PowerPoint presentation—on its official website.
“The stagnation of the traffic light coalition had become a significant burden for the nation,” Djir-Sarai stated. “We’ve never concealed that without an economic turnaround, ending the traffic light coalition could be a likely outcome of what we termed the autumn of decisions.”
Timing and Justification for the Departure
The document indicates that “an exit could take place at the beginning of calendar week 45.” While there were considerations for a mid-week exit, the “uncertainty surrounding the US election” was a deterrent.
According to the internal review, delaying the exit would have created complications, as it would clash with budget negotiations and the Green Party’s convention. Calendar week 45 commenced on November 4, and the coalition officially dissolved on the evening of November 6, when Chancellor Olaf Scholz from the SPD dismissed FDP Chairman Christian Lindner from his role as Finance Minister.
Reports suggest that the FDP had been rigorously preparing for weeks leading up to the dissolution of the traffic light government.
In their document, the Liberals asserted that the ongoing standstill could only be resolved through new elections, emphasizing the need to rationalize their departure from the coalition. “In addition to our words, the imagery accompanying our announcement is vital; it must convey strength, determination, and conviction. The atmosphere should feel serious but not frantic,” they noted.
One graphic depicted a process pyramid, with the fourth phase labeled “Beginning of the Open Field Battle,” underscoring their strategic approach.
Media narratives have intensified discussions regarding accountability for the coalition’s breakdown.
The FDP refers to the document as a “working paper,” initially drafted by the party’s federal manager on October 24 and updated to its latest version on November 5.
“This technical paper has not been a subject of political consultation by elected representatives and government officials, but rather an internal tool to prepare for the potential exit of the FDP from the traffic light coalition,” it states. “We have nothing to conceal,” the FDP declared in a post on X.
Even after the coalition’s collapse, reports emerged indicating the FDP had concrete exit strategies in place regarding their alliance with the SPD and Greens. The FDP did not refute these claims, but pointed out that Chancellor Scholz’s actions led to the coalition’s dissolution.
Sharp criticism arose from the SPD following the document’s release. “The FDP is orchestrating a ‘field battle’ against a government of which it is a part,” remarked SPD leader Lars Klingbeil on X. “It is beneficial that the truth is coming to light, allowing citizens to form their own opinions.”
SPD General Secretary Matthias Miersch condemned the FDP for eroding public trust in democratic institutions with such “irresponsible actions.” He stated, “While the public anticipated solutions from the government, the FDP was devising a deceitful exit strategy.” Miersch asserted that Christian Lindner and his party owe the public clear explanations and apologies.
Furthermore, Miersch criticized the FDP for using the term “D-Day” in reference to their coalition exit and labeling the upcoming election campaign as an “open field battle.” “The FDP leadership has consistently denied employing these terms, thus misleading the public repeatedly,” Miersch concluded.