FDP in crisis: Initiator of FDP grassroots initiative calls for Lindner to withdraw

Ulf Kasimir, chairman of the FDP in Neu-Isenburg, Hesse, is calling for the resignation of party leader Christian Lindner. In the “taz”, Kasimir, who initiated a membership decision in October for the FDP to leave the federal government, spoke out in favor of a reorganization of personnel at the top of the party. “It’s time for Lindner to retire,” said Kasimir. “The FDP needs a new beginning in terms of personnel.”Kasimir has criticized Lindner’s defense strategy since the “D-Day” paper became known, which shows a detailed scenario for the FDP’s exit from the traffic lights. The paper had also sparked strong criticism within the party, which is why Secretary General Bijan Djir-Sarai resigned on Friday. Lindner has repeatedly stated that he had not taken note of the paper.

“It’s contradictory that Lindner doesn’t know the paper, but Secretary General Bijan Djir-Sarai still has to go,” said Kasimir. He doesn’t see the fact that the paper was written as a problem. “The strategic idea is fine.” However, communication from the party leadership has been problematic since the plans became known.

Kasimir sees an “alienation” between the top and the party base. “Those who were in government responsibility must now acknowledge their responsibility,” he said. The fact that Lindner is at the top and shows no signs of leaving makes things difficult for the party. “There’s no question that he’s done good things in the past. But now it’s time for someone new.”