FDP Secretary General Bijan Djir-Sarai resigned after admitting he unknowingly provided false information about the controversial “D-Day paper.” The scandal has caused significant turmoil within the party’s leadership, with Chairman Carsten Reymann also stepping down.

The eight-page “D-Day scenarios and measures” document outlined plans for the FDP to undermine its coalition. Published on Thursday, it detailed strategies for an “open field battle” and the “ideal time” to leave the coalition. The document, initially posted on the FDP website, exposed internal tactics that contradicted the party’s public stance.

Fallout from the Coalition Collapse

The revelations have intensified scrutiny of the FDP following the collapse of the “traffic light” coalition with Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s SDP and the Greens. Finance Minister Christian Lindner’s dismissal in early November initially drew criticism toward Scholz. However, the document suggests the FDP actively planned the coalition’s breakup, shifting blame to the party.

A recent Infratest survey shows 40% of Germans blame the FDP for the government’s collapse. The scandal may now generate sympathy for Scholz, who faced harsh criticism earlier. The FDP’s leadership crisis highlights the growing challenges for the party as it navigates public backlash and internal strife.