FDP Secretary General Bijan Djir-Sarai has resigned after the “D-Day paper” affair revealed internal party strategies. Djir-Sarai admitted to unknowingly providing false information about the controversial document.
The “D-Day paper,” published Thursday, detailed plans to undermine the FDP’s coalition with the SPD and Greens. The eight-page document outlined strategies for initiating an “open field battle” and timing the ideal exit from the “traffic light” coalition. Party strategists described when and how to leave the alliance with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government.
Leadership Crisis and Public Backlash
The scandal placed immense pressure on the FDP leadership, leading to the resignations of Djir-Sarai and party chairman Carsten Reymann. Public perception has largely blamed the FDP for the coalition’s collapse in early November.
A recent survey by Infratest revealed 40% of Germans see the FDP as responsible for the government’s failure. The revelations may soften criticism of Chancellor Scholz, who faced backlash for dismissing Finance Minister Christian Lindner before the coalition fell apart. The document, however, indicates that the FDP had preemptively planned the breakup.