Henning Höne has withdrawn his candidacy for the chairmanship of the FDP. Instead, the politician plans to run only for the position of first deputy party chairman at the party conference at the end of May. This move clears the path for Wolfgang Kubicki, who will now stand for the federal chairmanship without any direct competitor.
In a dual interview with the FAZ newspaper, Höne and Kubicki stated that the necessity of their mutual move to unify the party was paramount, especially given the current struggles of the federal government. They emphasized that this step was collectively planned and aimed at consolidating FDP forces.
Kubicki spoke highly of their collaborative efforts, noting that their partnership had evolved from “the Lindner-Kubicki team” following Christian Lindner’s former leadership, to a new dynamic symbolized by “Kubicki-Höne”. He acknowledged Höne’s significant standing within the party, citing his role as chairman of the largest regional branch in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) and his current position as faction leader in a of the few state parliaments where the FDP maintains a presence. It was noted that both Höne and Kubicki currently serve as deputy chairs of the party.
Höne explained that his decision was influenced by a perceived lack of sufficient support from within the party. He stressed that such circumstances require all involved parties to continuously re-evaluate the situation. He added that party supporters repeatedly approached him and Kubicki, desiring a solution that formally included both men. This sentiment was timely, as Kubicki had previously indicated his willingness to step away from party leadership if he lost the bid for the top post.
Despite their differing backgrounds, Höne and Kubicki remain confident in the compatibility of their political styles. While acknowledging that they have distinct motivations, Höne stated that the public is not expecting a monolithic FDP, but rather one with a clear direction guided by varied perspectives and personalities. They outlined a plan for shared responsibilities: Kubicki would focus his efforts primarily on Berlin, while Höne would concentrate on the upcoming state election in North Rhine-Westphalia next spring.
Regarding his own future leadership ambitions, Kubicki left the possibility open, stating that the decision regarding his running for chairmanship in a year-should the FDP again elect a federal board-would be determined closer to that time.
