Christian Dürr, head of Germany’s pro-business Free Democrats (FDP), announced on Monday that he and the party’s federal executive board are stepping down following crushing defeats in state elections in Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate. The party failed to pass the 5 percent threshold in both elections, forcing it out of the regional parliaments.
At a press conference, Dürr said: “Things cannot continue as they are. And today, the FDP federal executive board has taken responsibility for that.”
Despite the resignations, Dürr made clear he intends to return, confirming that he and Secretary-General Nicole Büttner will seek re-election at the FDP’s party conference in May, when a new leader will be chosen. “I have no intention of giving up,” he said, responding to media speculation about a permanent exit.
During Monday’s party meeting, Dürr offered to face a confidence vote by the executive board, but the board declined. The May conference will also elect a new 40-member federal board.
Dürr was elected FDP leader in May 2025, succeeding long-time head and former federal Finance Minister Christian Lindner.
Germany will hold five more state elections this year, with Saxony-Anhalt, Berlin, and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania voting in September.
