(de-news.net) – The Free Democratic Party (FDP) has elected former parliamentary group leader Christian Dürr as its new party chairman. At the Federal Party Congress, Dürr secured 82 percent of delegate votes in an uncontested election, succeeding long-serving party leader Christian Lindner.
In his candidacy address, Dürr emphasized the necessity for the party to remain steadfast despite its defeat in the federal election, highlighting the ascendancy of political extremism as the election’s primary outcome. He underscored the imperative for all parties, including the FDP, to engage in rigorous self-examination. Dürr criticized the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Christian Social Union (CSU), contending that their policy reversals erode public confidence in democratic institutions. He further accused the governing black-red coalition of disregarding the interests of the hardworking middle class while proclaiming economic stimulus measures. Specifically, Dürr advocated for a prudent energy policy in lieu of taxpayer-funded subsidies.

In his farewell address, Lindner characterized the party congress as a pivotal moment for the FDP, symbolizing a transition toward renewed leadership. Acknowledging past missteps during his tenure, Lindner asserted that these shortcomings would be rectified by the incoming leadership. He also criticized Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), accusing him of reneging on campaign pledges by expanding state intervention and increasing national debt. After more than twelve years as the party’s leader, Lindner departs from his position following the FDP’s electoral setback, where it garnered only 4.3 percent of the vote, thereby losing its parliamentary representation.

FDP executive committee member Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann called for an introspective reassessment of the party’s trajectory, urging a renewed focus on public priorities. Lower Saxony FDP chairman Konstantin Kuhle, on his part, cautioned against ideological radicalization within the party, advocating instead for a centrist approach. He contended that internal debates over ideological positioning are counterproductive and encouraged the FDP to derive strategic insights from successful liberal movements in Poland and Canada.