Overview

• Christian Lindner, leader of Germany's FDP, denies prior knowledge of the 'D-Day' paper outlining the party's planned exit from the governing coalition with SPD and Greens.
• The document, which uses military terms like 'D-Day' and 'open field battle,' has sparked significant criticism, leading to the resignation of FDP General Secretary Bijan Djir-Sarai and Federal Managing Director Carsten Reymann.
• Lindner defended the FDP's decision to leave the coalition, citing policy disagreements, but acknowledged flaws in the party's crisis management and communication strategy.
• He reiterated his intention to remain as FDP leader and run as the party's top candidate in the February 2025 Bundestag election, despite declining poll numbers and internal dissent.
• The FDP introduced Marco Buschmann, former Justice Minister, as the new General Secretary to stabilize the party and lead its election campaign.