A recent poll suggests that the electoral potential of the FDP is growing again. The survey, conducted by the Demoscopie Institute in Allensbach for the “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung”, found that 24 percent of the public believes the FDP is needed. This figure has fluctuated significantly over the last 25 years-ranging from 18 to 41 percent-and hit its lowest point at 18 percent during the final phase of the current coalition government. Furthermore, it is important to note a general upward trend in belief, as nearly one in five people today believes the FDP should return to parliament in the next federal election.
The general support for the FDP, ready to vote for the party regardless of whether the election is federal, state, or municipal, currently stands at 22 percent. According to Allensbach, this potential is drawn above average from West Germany and higher social strata, but most importantly, from the bloc of former FDP voters.
Broader than the party-specific support, the general belief in the value of liberalism remains significant; 31 percent of people feel it is crucial for a liberal party to be represented in the political spectrum. This viewpoint is consistently shared by young generations and across all social classes.
However, the FDP faces certain deficits compared to what voters expect from a liberal party. These discrepancies are considerable, especially given that the FDP held several responsible ministries in the last legislative period. For example, while 71 percent expect a liberal party to commit to solid financial policies, only 38 percent attribute this intention to the FDP. Similarly, 60 percent expect the promotion of research and innovations, a commitment that only 28 percent feel the FDP shares. When it comes to improved and more modern schools, 62 percent expect such action, but only 24 percent are confident that this is actually an FDP priority.
The study surveyed 1,015 individuals and was conducted through in-person, oral interviews between April 18 and April 30.
