FDP sends clear signals at federal party conference

FDP sends clear signals at federal party conference

The FDP's federal party conference in Berlin indicates that the party wants to remain in the traffic light coalition, contrary to previous speculation about a possible exit. The FDP appears inspired by its own paper, which aims for more economic growth and was cleverly published before the party conference. Delegates proudly wore the paper's twelve points on T-shirts, emphasizing a new self-confidence within the party.

Education Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger praised the intensive discussion about economic policy and noted that this topic was finally back in the public eye. Christian Lindner, party leader and finance minister, presented the idea of ​​an “economic turnaround” as the central point of his speech and received applause for measures such as reducing bureaucracy and promoting overtime.

Lindner avoided directly criticizing the coalition partners SPD and Greens, but focused on the CDU, especially with regard to the lack of reliability on the debt brake and the burden on the economy caused by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The FDP continues to advocate for changes within the government, although internal voices have also threatened to leave the coalition if their demands are not met.

General Secretary Bijan Djir-Sarai described the party conference's key motion as “a declaration of love for our country” and emphasized that the FDP was part of the government, not the opposition. The challenges of the 2025 budget and the upcoming deliberations after the European elections could potentially bring conflict, but for now the party is showing determination to stay in the coalition and make the most of it.