Germany’s pro-business Free Democratic Party (FDP) had reportedly been plotting its exit from Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition government weeks before the formal split. Internal plans for the move were code-named “D-day,” according to reports from Die Zeit and Süddeutsche Zeitung.
The coalition collapse, which occurred on the same day as Donald Trump’s re-election announcement, sent shockwaves across Europe. Germany, viewed as a cornerstone of stability, is now grappling with political uncertainty at a critical time.
The government’s downfall was triggered earlier this month when Scholz dismissed Finance Minister Christian Lindner, the FDP leader, after Lindner presented an ultimatum that challenged the administration’s core policies. The 18-page document, nicknamed the “torpedo” within FDP circles, demanded sweeping changes that were incompatible with the coalition’s agenda.
Following Lindner’s dismissal, all but one FDP minister resigned, effectively dissolving the government. Reports indicate that the FDP first devised its strategy during a meeting at a villa in Potsdam in late September and refined its approach in subsequent sessions.
The FDP has denied accusations of orchestrating the collapse purely for political gain. Lindner dismissed the claims as “electioneering,” stating, “Scholz himself had already considered my dismissal during the summer. Without economic reforms, the FDP had no choice but to leave the coalition.”
Criticism of the FDP’s tactics has been fierce. Rolf Mützenich, parliamentary leader of Scholz’s Social Democratic Party (SPD), condemned the use of “D-day” — a term tied to the liberation of Europe during World War II — as inappropriate for political strategy. “It reveals just how far Mr. Lindner has sunk,” Mützenich remarked, justifying Scholz’s decision to remove him from the government.
Germany is now facing a political crisis amid economic challenges, debates over climate policy, and the ongoing war in Ukraine. A vote of confidence in Scholz is expected in December, which he is likely to lose, leading to early elections scheduled for February 23 — over seven months ahead of the original timeline.
The abrupt collapse of the coalition underscores the fragility of Germany’s political alliances and raises questions about the country’s capacity to maintain leadership and stability during a period of significant global and domestic challenges.