Schmidt 1974-82

• In the elections of 1976, Schmidt formed a coalition government with the FDP. He continued to support Ostpolitik and showed the ability to deal with a series of threats such as terrorism (Red Army Fraction - RAF) in the late 1970s.
• Although he remained in power until 1982, his party suffered from divisions over:

  • policies aimed at reducing inflation
  • whether to allow nuclear weapons to be based in FRG territory
  • growing support for green issues
  • growing tensions with the FDP
• In September 1982, unable to agree on a cost-cutting budget, members of the FDP crossed over to the CDU/CSU and campaigned for change in government. On 1st October 1982, the Reichstag approved a vote of no confidence. This was the only time such a vote was successful in the FRG and Schmidt resigned, replaced by Kohl.