What we know so far:
● The FDP planned to trigger the collapse of the coalition government, led by Chancellor Gerhard Schröder of the Social Democratic Party (SPD). The FDP was the junior partner in the coalition, which also included the Green Party.
● The FDP’s internal documents outline a detailed communication strategy for the party’s exit, including key narratives, talking points, and a timeline of events.
● The FDP aimed to frame its exit as a necessary step to break a political deadlock within the government and provide the German people with a clear choice in new elections.
● The party believed that the coalition government was failing to address Germany’s economic challenges effectively. It criticised the SPD and the Greens for favouring interventionist policies, while the FDP advocated for a more free-market approach. Excerpts from FDP’s Internal Documents:
● Core Narrative: “Everything but a draw – Decision on direction now.”
● Justification for Leaving the Coalition: “For a year, a dispute over direction has been raging in the federal government about the course in economic policy. The fundamental differences between the red-green on the one hand and the liberals on the other cannot be bridged by compromises. The federal government has thus become the biggest risk to business location itself.”
● Call to Action: “We, the Free Democrats, do not want the traffic light to hold the country hostage. Germany is urgently waiting for reforms – now! We are clearing the way for early elections.” Timeline of Planned Events:
● Phase 1 – “Impulse” (T=0): FDP leader (CL) issues a statement to the press outlining the reasons for the party’s exit.
● Phase 2 – Setting the Narrative (T+1 to 4 hours): FDP disseminates video messages from the party leader and informs key party members.
● Phase 3 – Spreading the Narrative (T+4 to 30 hours): FDP distributes talking points and materials to party members and holds digital conferences.
● Phase 4 – Open Battle (T+24 hours): The FDP engages in full-scale media and public relations efforts to promote its message. Options Considered by the FDP:
● Timing of the Announcement: The FDP considered various dates, weighing the potential impact of the US presidential election and upcoming political events in Germany.
● Method of Announcement: The FDP contemplated different channels for announcing its exit, ranging from a press statement to a social media video.
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