Christian Lindner (44) has been confirmed in his office as FDP leader. At a party conference on Friday, he received 88 percent of the vote.
► It’s a small setback for him: Two years ago, Lindner was able to get even more votes with 93 percent. He has been at the head of the FDP since December 2013.
► Lindner received 511 of the 579 votes cast. 51 delegates voted no, 17 abstained. Nevertheless, Lindner thanked him “for this special back strengthening”.
► The fact is: in 2021, the election took place a few months before the big federal elections – i.e. in a hot phase in which the base usually stands as united as possible behind the party leadership.
Before the party conference, it was still unclear whether the Federal Minister of Finance might receive a reminder from the delegates in view of the party’s recent defeat in state elections.
Lindner had previously made it clear in his speech at the party conference: he promised Ukraine full support in the defense fight against Russia, and Germany should not make itself economically dependent on China. Previous “velvet paw” in Germany towards China, “it was a mistake”.
Attack on climate glue
But especially the air-conditioning adhesive got the full broadside from Lindner. Some said the blockers’ motives were noble, Lindner said.
► The blocking of streets and highways is nothing other than “physical violence”, according to Lindner. “Speed limit and 9-euro ticket, these are very small ideas – and for that the big trouble,” Lindner continued. “The other way around would be better.” Thunderous applause from the more than 600 delegates in the hall.
The FDP leader also defended his transport minister, who had been heavily criticized by the Greens and climate protection groups: “Volker Wissing does more for climate protection than the demands of the last generation and the climate glue,” emphasized Lindner.
A heating announcement against the coalition partners of the Greens and SPD?
That remains in Lindner’s speech. Only the announcement to revise the law in the Bundestag became clear. According to Lindner, the draft is not yet what should be decided by the Bundestag.