FDP party conference: backward-looking debates and blind spots

FDP party conference: backward-looking debates and blind spots

The recent FDP party conference at the Kreuzberg “station” at Gleisdreieck revealed a backward-looking discussion among delegates, illustrating the ongoing tension in the traffic light coalition. Despite General Secretary Bijan Djir-Sarai's emphasis on the coalition partners SPD and Greens, it became clear that the FDP has a different understanding of the state, which is reflected in the emphasis on citizens' financial responsibility. The party insists on spending within the limits of the money it has already earned, which seems questionable in view of the highlighted economic successes.

A worrying trend emerged at the party conference as the FDP increasingly addressed its core electorate. This poses risks since the potential voters of this party only make up around five percent of the electorate. This could lead to difficulties, particularly in eastern Germany, where elections are coming soon. It is disappointing to see how the liberals seem to be saying goodbye to the modern content of a progressive party and retreating into outdated debates.

The neglect of current issues such as climate change and the focus on purely economic aspects was clearly evident at the party conference. Instead of dealing with forward-looking questions, the focus was on topics such as nuclear power or bureaucratic issues. The FDP's demands focus on overcoming perceived obstacles such as Brussels bureaucracy or the German supply chain law, while social issues fall out of focus.

The FDP also suffers from blindness in other areas, for example with regard to topics such as artificial intelligence, digitalization or civil liberties, which were hardly addressed during the party conference. The lack of haste on important social reforms highlights the party's priorities. It remains to be seen whether the Liberals are ready for a broader discussion about their policy agenda in the fall.