Green Party leaders propose a bold revival of liberalism amid FDP's decline

Green Party co-leaders Franziska Brantner and Belit Onay have argued that liberalism is struggling but far from over. In a new political statement, they outline a vision for reviving its core values. Their proposals come as Germany's Free Democrats (FDP) face sharp declines in state elections, losing ground to larger parties like the CDU and AfD. Brantner and Onay claim that freedom and equality remain the foundation of a modern liberalism. They draw on Enlightenment thinkers like Locke and Kant, warning against policies that pit anti-discrimination efforts against universal principles. While acknowledging that gender debates have highlighted hidden biases, they criticise overly rigid gender policies as counterproductive.

The Green leaders also push for market-driven solutions to climate change, rejecting heavy-handed state intervention. They advocate for individual responsibility and economic incentives rather than paternalistic regulations. Beyond domestic issues, they call for a European defence union to strengthen security cooperation.

Their remarks contrast with the FDP's recent struggles. Over the past five years, the party's support in state elections has plummeted—from 5.5% in Rhineland-Palatinate in 2021 to just 2.1% in 2026, failing to win any seats. In Baden-Württemberg, their share fell from 10.46% to 4.78%, costing them all 18 parliamentary positions. Analysts attribute the losses to voter shifts toward the CDU (80,000) and AfD (35,000), as well as frustration with coalition governments. Brantner and Onay's vision ties liberalism to sustainability, justice, and market-based reforms. They suggest the Greens could lead this renewal, blending traditional freedoms with progressive goals. Meanwhile, the FDP's electoral setbacks highlight the challenges facing classical liberal parties in Germany's shifting political landscape.