The neoliberal Free Democratic Party played a decisive role in shaping politics in Germany. After a wipeout in the last federal election, the party is fighting for survival ahead of important state elections.
The Free Democratic Party (FDP) was once pivotal in shaping policy in post-World War II West Germany. It was part of almost all federal governments between 1994 and 2013.
However, since its defeat in the 2025 federal election, the liberal party has almost disappeared from the public eye.
In an interview with DW, party leader Christian Dürr nevertheless remains optimistic: "Even though we are not represented in the Bundestag, we are loud and we make ourselves heard.”
Political scientist Albrecht von Lucke sees litte reason for optimism. "The FDP is in no man's land and is fighting its last battle," Lucke told DW.
"The last battle" refers to the five state elections coming up this year, at a time when the FDP is languishi
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