Rudolph Angler FDP Secretary General Bijan Djir-Sarai resigned following revelations about the controversial “D-Day paper” scandal. He admitted to “unknowingly” providing false information about the internal document.
The “D-Day paper,” published Thursday, outlined the FDP’s strategy to undermine its coalition with the SPD and Greens. The eight-page document detailed plans for a “field battle” and the “ideal time” to exit the coalition led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The FDP’s leadership faced intense criticism after the document was publicly released.
On Friday, Djir-Sarai stepped down, followed by party chairman Carsten Reymann. Their resignations added to the turmoil engulfing the FDP.
Coalition Collapse and Public Perception
The document’s publication has shifted blame for the coalition collapse. Previously, many criticized Scholz for dismissing FDP Finance Minister Christian Lindner in November. Now, the document suggests the FDP actively planned the coalition’s downfall.
A survey by Infratest revealed that 40% of Germans blame the FDP for the government’s collapse. The revelations may garner sympathy for Scholz, who faced significant backlash earlier. The “D-Day paper” has sparked widespread debate about the FDP’s role in destabilizing the coalition.