German Coalition Faces Mounting Internal Tensions and Electoral Woes
• Resentments have been simmering within the FDP over the unhappy partnership in the federal government. The party voted narrowly to remain in the coalition.
• The coalition faces dismal approval ratings and stiff electoral challenges in 2024 at the state and local levels.
• The coalition partners are at odds over spending priorities and constraints with the constitutional debt brake back in effect.
• Chancellor Scholz's communication style and plunging personal approval ratings have not helped the coalition's standing.
• The only thing binding the coalition partners is a shared fear of losing power and parliamentary seats if new elections are held.