Christian Dürr, Chairman of the FDP, proposed a sweeping overhaul of German law at the party’s traditional Three Kings Meeting in Stuttgart. Dürr suggested that all laws passed in Germany since 2000 be allowed to expire at the end of the current legislative period. A new German government could then reintroduce only those laws deemed “sensible” within four years.
Dürr criticized what he described as Germany’s “zero-risk mentality,” stating, “Whoever risks nothing risks everything in the end.” He also took aim at Germany’s comparatively low spending on primary schools, proposing a doubling of investment to ensure “the very best education at the beginning of life.” Currently, Germany allocates 0.75 percent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to primary schools, while Norway spends 2.0 percent and Denmark 1.5 percent. Dürr suggested funding this increase could be achieved by utilizing one-twentieth of the federal government’s special funds.
Dürr Seeks to Position FDP as a Party of Change
With these proposals, Dürr positioned the FDP as a party of “radical upheaval,” differentiating it from previous governing parties – the CDU, SPD, and Greens – whom he blamed for “stagnation” in the country. “The Free Democrats are no longer part of a status quo camp,” Dürr said. “We have parties in the so-called center that have not changed,” which he believes has contributed to the rise of extremist forces in Germany. The FDP, he asserted, intends to break this “stagnation.”
The meeting also featured an unexpected comedic performance by Wolfgang Kubicki and Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, who commented on the proceedings from a box seat. Kubicki used the opportunity to attack the Left party, accusing its chairman, Jan van Aken, of downplaying violence and justifying left-wing crime. He referenced earlier remarks by former Russian President Dmitri Medvedev, who had suggested the kidnapping of Western politicians, including those from Germany, and stated, “If this spinner Medvedev wants to kidnap someone from Germany, please not Merz, he is just incapable – rather van Aken, he is dangerous.”
Upcoming Elections Loom for the FDP
The FDP faces crucial state elections in Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate in March. Baden-Württemberg is considered a traditional stronghold for the Liberals, while the FDP currently participates in the state government in Rhineland-Palatinate. Further state elections are scheduled for September in Berlin, Saxony-Anhalt, and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, where the FDP typically receives lower levels of support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific laws would be affected by Dürr’s proposal?
Dürr proposed allowing all laws passed in Germany since 2000 to expire. He did not specify which laws these were, only stating that a new government would then reintroduce those deemed “sensible.”
How would the FDP fund the proposed doubling of spending on primary schools?
Dürr suggested funding the increase by utilizing one-twentieth of the federal government’s special funds.
What is the current level of support for the FDP in national opinion polls?
The FDP currently receives between three and four percent support in nationwide opinion polls.
Given these ambitious proposals and the upcoming elections, what strategies might the FDP employ to gain traction with voters and overcome its current polling numbers?
