Berlin, April 5, 2026 Christian Dürr, former chairman of Germany’s Free Democratic Party (FDP), has withdrawn his candidacy for the party leadership and endorsed Wolfgang Kubicki for the position. Dürr stated his decision was aimed at avoiding a divisive internal conflict within the FDP. He emphasized the need for a strong party with clear positions on market economy and freedom to address Germany’s challenges. The move comes after the FDP suffered election losses in Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate in March. Kubicki, a veteran FDP politician, now has Dürr’s backing to lead the party. However, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann criticized Kubicki’s candidacy, arguing the FDP should be led by a new generation. She stated the party should not be governed "nicht nur von alten Schlachtrössern" ("not just by old warhorses"). No further candidates for the leadership have been announced.