Following a turbulent party conference, Wolfgang Kubicki, the new chairman of the Free Democrats (FDP), expresses optimism about the party’s trajectory. Speaking to the Süddeutsche Zeitung, he noted the dramatic improvement in public perception: “If I had said eight weeks ago that the Free Democrats were at five percent at the end of May, you would have told me, ‘Kubicki must have snorted something.'” In a recent Forsa poll, the Liberals achieved the five-percent mark for the first time again this week, although results from other institutions remain below that threshold.
Regarding Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann’s unannounced candidacy at the convention, Kubicki stated that his only reservation was being completely surprised. He expressed understanding if many members did not elect him because they were tired of another “one-man show” within the FDP. He maintains that the party is strongly focused on success. According to Kubicki, achieving success will allow the internal tensions among members-who do not want to feel like part of a losing group-to dissipate.
Commenting on his personal drive, he revealed that “the old terrier has been awakened in me.” When the party hit five percent for the first time again, Kubicki sent the Federal Chancellor and CDU Chairman Friedrich Merz an SMS stating: “Moin Friedrich, mission impossible is completed, but the fight goes on.” This response comes after Merz had previously stated following the state election in Baden-Württemberg that the FDP would play no significant role.
Meanwhile, Strack-Zimmermann defended her surprise bid for party leadership. She told the Süddeutsche Zeitung that 95 percent of reactions from people close to her were positive. Furthermore, she noted that the convention itself generated curiosity; “one could establish: there is life in the party.” She also highlighted that this event forced a necessary public discussion, as there had never been a real debate since the FDP left the Bundestag.
The political atmosphere is visibly calming down. “We know that all of us must work together well, including Kubicki and me.” Despite their different approaches, they share parallels in their professional nature. “Kubicki is very spontaneous, very direct, and straightforward. I am too.” They both characterized themselves as professionals: “Now we start strong. We are not children throwing blocks in a sandbox.”
