What disagreement divided the Realos and Fundis within the German Green Party?

The disagreement between the Realos (realists) and the Fundis (fundamentalists) within the Green Party of Germany centered on the party's political strategy and its willingness to compromise.12

• The Realos: This faction advocated for a pragmatic approach to politics. They favored compromise and were willing to engage in cooperation with other political entities, such as the Social Democratic Party (SPD), to implement environmental policies and gain governing influence.12
• The Fundis: This faction maintained a commitment to ideological purity. They rejected the compromises sought by the Realos, preferring to adhere strictly to the party's foundational principles rather than dilute them for the sake of political expediency or coalition building.12

This internal tension significantly impacted the party's cohesion throughout the 1980s. By the end of that decade, the Realos had gained ascendancy, eventually leading the party into coalition governments where they were sometimes forced to support policies—such as military interventions—that conflicted with their original pacifist values.2