11. Free Democratic Party (Germany, 20th Century)
Established in 1948, the Free Democratic Party (FDP) was a pivotal force in post-war German politics, often serving as a coalition partner to both the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD). Its classical liberal agenda emphasized individualism, free economic competition, and social reform. The FDP’s influence peaked in 2009, securing 14.6% of the national vote and forming a coalition government with the CDU/CSU. However, internal conflicts and policy disagreements led to its withdrawal from the coalition in 2013, resulting in a significant decline in support. By 2025, the FDP faced a major political crisis following internal plans to break from Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s governing coalition, leading to public outrage and a loss of credibility among its core voters. This turmoil culminated in the 2025 federal elections, where the FDP failed to enter the Bundestag, marking a dramatic shift in Germany’s political landscape. (lemonde.fr)
