Marie‑Agnes Strack‑Zimmermann has withdrawn her bid to become party chair as part of a proposed dual‑leadership model. She does this after party vice‑president Henning Höne announced that he will run for the chair. “His candidacy has my full support” she told Der Spiegel. Earlier she had called Höne a suitable partner for a dual‑leadership arrangement.
Strack‑Zimmermann explained that a two‑thirds majority is required to approve such a dual‑leadership setup-an ambitious threshold that, after many discussions, does not appear likely to be achieved in the party at present. With the federal congress scheduled for the end of May still looming, the chances of securing that majority look slim.
Because she serves as chair of the European Parliament’s committee on security and defence, a solo candidacy is not an option for her. Therefore, Höne’s decision to seek the chair role is “logical and welcome”. She added that she has long admired him, noting that he is both a young and experienced leader of the FDP’s most powerful state association in North‑Rhein‑Westphalia. Strack‑Zimmermann also confirmed that she will continue to serve on the FDP executive board in the future.
