Part 4/7:
Under pressure from these developments, the coalition began to fracture. With rising inflation, economic stagnation, and controversial budgetary measures, internal conflicts floated to the surface. The FDP's commitment to fiscally conservative policies clashed with the SPD's and Greens' push for increased spending to counteract the economic challenges, leading to tensions and public infighting.
The schism reached a climax in November 2024 when Scholz abruptly fired FDP leader Christian Lindner from his cabinet, signaling the coalition's collapse. This event, coinciding with Donald Trump's re-election, further fueled concerns regarding the timing and responsibility associated with breaking up a government amid international instability.