Finn Flebbe, the head of the “Junge Liberale” (JuLis), the FDP’s youth organization, announced that the party’s youth wing plans to conduct a deep review of the candidates vying for the party chairmanship. According to Flebbe speaking to the dts news agency, the selected contenders will be invited to attend a hearing during the Federal Congress, which is set to take place in Bingen from May 8th to the 10th.
Furthermore, all individuals considered for the role of General Secretary are expected to present themselves at this event. Flebbe stated that members of JuLis must have the opportunity to experience the applicants firsthand, question them critically, and form their own opinions.
He emphasized his support for open competition within the party at this juncture, arguing that a party built on principles of freedom and achievement must accommodate and showcase diverse ideas and concepts.
Regarding his own ambitions, Flebbe stated that running for the FDP chairmanship is not something he intends to do. However, he confirmed that he plans to run for a seat on the Federal Executive Board at the party convention at the end of May, noting that his aspiration is clear: his position is at the head of the Young Liberals.
Although Flebbe did not explicitly support the two most recognized candidates for the FDP leadership-the veteran figure Wolfgang Kubicki and the 39-year-old state leader Henning Höne-he did offer hints that are not necessarily endorsements for Höne. He told the dts news agency that a true revival of the FDP can only happen if young, new faces take responsibility and credibly embody this departure. He concluded by affirming that both he and the Young Liberals stand ready and available to achieve this renewal.
