FDP accuses SWR of bias after exclusion from housing policy debate
Tensions between the FDP and regional broadcaster SWR have escalated after a dispute over studio representation. Hans-Ulrich Rülke, the party’s leader in Baden-Württemberg and top candidate for the upcoming state election, accused SWR of bias and demanded changes to its programming decisions. The row centres on the exclusion of the FDP from a recent political discussion on housing policy.
The conflict began during a video recording on February 12 for the programme Zur Sache Baden-Württemberg, which aired on February 19. An SWR employee claimed only the 'four largest parliamentary groups' would be invited into the studio. Friedrich Haag, the FDP’s housing expert, challenged this, pointing out that his party’s group was actually larger than the AfD’s. Despite this, the FDP was only shown in a pre-recorded clip while CDU, Greens, AfD, and SPD representatives appeared live.
Rülke responded sharply in a letter to SWR Director-General Kai Gniffke, calling the situation a mix of 'ignorance, incompetence, and bias'. He demanded an 'immediate correction' to allow Haag studio access. The criticism was later reported by *Focus* news magazine. Rülke also urged every member of the state party to file a formal complaint against the programme. This latest clash follows an earlier legal setback for the FDP. The party failed in its attempt to force inclusion in SWR’s televised three-way debate ahead of the state election. A court ruled against the FDP, though the party has announced plans to appeal. Relations between the FDP and SWR were already strained before this incident.
The FDP continues to push for fairer treatment from SWR, with Rülke insisting on corrections and legal action. The broadcaster has yet to respond publicly to the latest demands. The outcome could influence how political debates are structured ahead of the state election.
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