FDP's leadership crisis deepens after election setback in Baden-Württemberg
The FDP is facing growing uncertainty over its leadership after a poor showing in Baden-Württemberg's recent election. Party chief Christian Dürr now finds himself under pressure, with several names circulating as possible replacements. Henning Höne, the FDP's state leader in North Rhine-Westphalia, has spoken openly about the party's struggles but stopped short of backing Dürr in a recent interview.
The FDP's decline has deepened since the 2021 federal election, leaving the party in what Höne calls an 'existential crisis'. Under his leadership in North Rhine-Westphalia, the regional branch has taken a firm stance against tax increases and coalition policies. A notable moment came on May 20, 2025, when the state's Constitutional Court ruled against changes to council seat distribution for the upcoming local elections. Höne welcomed the decision, framing it as a victory for voters and a blow to what he termed a 'black-red-green cartel'.
Höne himself is now among the names discussed as a potential successor to Dürr. Others include Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Wolfgang Kubicki, Bijan Djir-Sarai, and Linda Teuteberg. While praising Strack-Zimmermann and Kubicki for their ideas and experience, Höne also stressed the importance of the FDP's broader base—70,000 members and active representatives in state and local government. The next federal party conference is set for May 30-31, 2026, in Berlin. Board elections, however, are not currently on the agenda, as they only take place every two years. Höne has warned that simply changing leadership will not fix the party's deeper issues. The FDP's federal revival once began in North Rhine-Westphalia under Christian Lindner in 2013. Now, with the party in a 'deep slump', the focus is shifting to who might steer it through the current challenges.
The FDP's leadership question remains unresolved for now, with no immediate election planned. The party's future direction will depend on how it addresses both internal divisions and its broader political strategy. Until then, Dürr's position stays under scrutiny as regional leaders like Höne continue to shape the debate.
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