Did the bald move pay off, Mrs. Büttner? - FDP's Linda Büttner shaves her head after losing election bet
Linda Büttner, the FDP's secretary general, has shaved her head after losing a bet on her party's election performance. The bold move follows the Free Democratic Party's failure to clear the five-percent threshold in Baden-Württemberg's state vote. Her new look has drawn attention as the party struggles in nationwide polls. The FDP secured just 4.4% of second votes in Baden-Württemberg's election on 8 March 2026. This result, down 6.1 points from 2021, means the party will not enter the state parliament for the first time. Pre-election polls had suggested a close race, with figures ranging from 3.6% to 5.5% in late February and early March.
Büttner had wagered her hair on the FDP surpassing the five-percent hurdle. After the loss, she followed through, emphasising the importance of credibility in politics. She has been a committed Free Democrat for two decades and often speaks about the need for politicians to stand by their words.
Beyond the bet, Büttner advocates for stronger economic policies. She argues that Germany must take more risks to revive growth and secure its future. On defence, she supports military action to protect economic interests but aligns with colleague Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann on the need for careful coordination in conflicts like Iran.
The party's struggles extend beyond Baden-Württemberg. Nationwide, the FDP now polls below three percent. In Rhineland-Palatinate's upcoming election, it may also fall short of the threshold. The FDP's decline in Baden-Württemberg marks its first absence from the state parliament. Büttner's shaved head serves as a visible reminder of the party's challenges. With nationwide support slipping, the FDP faces an uphill battle in future elections.
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