Inside the Potsdam Metropolis Hall, the FDP party conference features stirring speeches, with Wolfgang Kubicki urging support for the FDP against a potential coalition of union parties and the Greens. Christian Lindner criticizes Robert Habeck, framing the election as a pivotal choice for the country’s future. Amidst concerns of dwindling support and internal divisions, the FDP emphasizes its commitment to economic principles and calls for unity, while grappling with the looming risk of failing to enter the Bundestag.
The Atmosphere at the Potsdam Metropolis Hall
Inside the Potsdam Metropolis Hall, a colossal screen showcases the image of FDP chairman Christian Lindner, accompanied by various slogans. As the event unfolds on this Sunday, the atmosphere shifts dramatically; the hall dims, and lights flicker, setting the stage for a theatrical experience. Thunderous music, reminiscent of a blockbuster film, resonates throughout the room. “Hello, 2025. You are not just another year. You can make history,” resonates from the speakers, heightening the anticipation.
A Key Message from Wolfgang Kubicki
However, it is not Lindner who first takes the spotlight. The veteran liberal from North Germany, Wolfgang Kubicki, serves as the opening speaker for this special party conference, attended by 800 delegates and guests. At 72 years old, Kubicki stresses that the party must move past the debate of “who voted when, how, and where.” He articulates a pivotal message for the day: “Vote FDP on election Sunday; we are the bulwark against black-green.” The FDP faces a formidable challenge as the union urges voters not to waste their votes on them, asserting that a slight increase in their support would make little difference, whereas a vote for the FDP could determine the country’s future.
At the heart of Lindner’s rhetoric is Robert Habeck, the Minister of Economics and Green Chancellor candidate, whom Lindner criticizes as the “biggest growth brake in this country.” He emphasizes that the crucial question of this election campaign is whether it will be “Lindner or Habeck in the cabinet.” The delegates unanimously decide against a coalition with the Greens, leading to a wave of prolonged applause.
The FDP aims to rally undecided conservative voters, fearing a coalition between the Union parties CDU and CSU with the Greens. The message conveyed is that only a strong FDP can ensure a political turnaround, whether it be in coalition with the Union or alongside the SPD. However, Lindner acknowledges that the current outlook for the FDP is far from optimistic.
With just two weeks left until the early federal elections, the atmosphere among the FDP mirrors the anxiety of 2013, when they narrowly missed the five percent threshold, securing only 4.8 percent. An FDP member expresses frustration over the party’s stagnation at four percent, which is below the required mark to enter the Bundestag.
The decline in support for the FDP is attributed to several factors. The party had hoped voters would appreciate their commitment to economic and financial principles during their previous coalition with the SPD and Greens. Despite Lindner’s insistence on upholding the debt brake, rising social security contributions, CO2 pricing, and unaddressed financial burdens have left many citizens dissatisfied.
The party’s approach to certain social policies, such as the partial legalization of cannabis and changing gender entries for minors, has also raised eyebrows. Meanwhile, urgent issues like the asylum crisis and economic downturn remain unresolved. Compounding their challenges, a recent Bundestag vote saw about a quarter of the liberal faction either abstaining or absent, highlighting internal divisions within the party.
Lindner seeks to shift the narrative, accusing Merz of causing the economy to take a backseat in the election campaign and of “dividing the country,” despite polling suggesting public support for Merz’s direction. Ultimately, the concern is that Merz has fragmented the FDP.
In an effort to showcase unity, prominent representatives such as Konstantin Kuhle, Johannes Vogel, and Ria Schröder urge the FDP to come together in their speeches. The overarching theme of the liberal party conference is change, with a collective election call that warns, “We are changing politics,” ensuring that “the wrong people do not take action in 2029.”
With the next federal election looming, the FDP articulates several key points tied to a potential entry into government, focusing on reducing bureaucracy, tax reform, technology-friendly climate policies, and sound budget management. They also emphasize the importance of migration control and unwavering support for Ukraine, as highlighted by guest speakers, including the Ukrainian ambassador and Christian Democrat Kristina Schröder.
The Uncertain Future for the FDP
The election is not merely a “zero-sum game” between the two parties, as Schröder points out, yet current polls indicate that neither the Union nor the FDP holds a majority in the Bundestag. A looming question hangs over the FDP: what happens if they fail to secure a seat in parliament? Behind closed doors, discussions reveal a lack of a clear strategy for functioning as an extra-parliamentary opposition.
If Lindner fails to lead his party past the five percent threshold, his future as party chairman is uncertain, with a crucial confirmation vote set for May. However, on this Sunday, there is little acknowledgment of the risks ahead. “We stand as one man and one woman behind our top candidate Christian Lindner,” asserts former Bavarian state parliament member Martin Hagen, reinforcing party unity.
As conversations swirl around the party conference, one sentiment is clear: the next two weeks will be pivotal. Yet, the FDP remains hesitant to discuss what lies ahead should they fail to enter the Bundestag.