Wolfgang Kubicki was elected as the new chairman of the FDP on Saturday at the federal party congress in Berlin. According to the party, Kubicki secured 59.3 percent of the delegate votes, defeating Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, who finished with 39.4 percent.
Strack-Zimmermann’s candidacy was a complete surprise, as she announced her intention to run only when the corresponding agenda item was called. She received support from 33 delegates from the North Rhine-Westphalia state association, a nomination pushed by Joachim Stamp. Her introductory speech was marked by a dramatic contrast; although there were boos from the hall at the beginning, she also received thunderous applause.
With the election of Kubicki, the party has also made a clear strategic decision regarding its direction. Kubicki is perceived as leaning more to the right and, while publicly stating he does not want to cooperate with the AfD, he does not hold the “firewall” principle in high regard. Strack-Zimmermann, conversely, represents the more liberal-centrist wing of the FDP.
