"However, since its defeat in the 2025 federal election, the liberal party has almost disappeared from the public eye. In an interview with DW, party leader Christian Durr nevertheless remains optimistic: "Even though we are not represented in the Bundestag, we are loud and we make ourselves heard. Political scientist Albrecht von Lucke sees litte reason for optimism. "The FDP is in no man's land and is fighting its last battle," Lucke told DW."
"The "last battle" refers to the five state elections coming up this year, at a time when the FDP is languishing at around 3% in the polls nationwide. FDP Chairman Christian Durr is keen to spread optimismImage: Bernd Weibrod/dpa/picture alliance In early January, party leaders convened in Stuttgart, the capital of the southwestern state of Baden-Wurttemberg, the self-proclaimed heartland of the FDP, for the traditional Three Kings' Day meeting, a solemn ritual for the party since 1866."
The Free Democratic Party (FDP) was influential in shaping West German policy after World War II and participated in most federal governments between 1994 and 2013. The party lost representation in the Bundestag after the 2025 federal election and has largely vanished from public view. FDP leader Christian Durr expresses optimism and asserts the party remains vocal despite absence from parliament. Political scientist Albrecht von Lucke characterizes the FDP as being in "no man's land" and warns the party faces a final struggle. Five upcoming state elections, notably in Baden-Württemberg on March 8, are described as decisive for the party's future. Historical liberal principles included civil liberties, free-market policies, and rule of law.
Read at www.dw.com
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