Green Party claims liberalism's future as FDP's influence fades in Germany

Green Party co-leaders Franziska Brantner and Belit Onay have declared that liberalism is struggling but far from over. In a guest article for the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, they outlined a vision for a renewed liberal movement. Their argument comes as Germany's traditional liberal party, the FDP, faces steep declines in state elections.

Over the past five years, the FDP has lost significant ground in German politics. In Rheinland-Pfalz, its support dropped from 5.5% in 2021 to just 2.1% in 2026, costing the party all its seats. Baden-Württemberg saw a similar fall, with first votes shrinking from 10.46% to 4.78%, resulting in 18 fewer seats. Voters have shifted toward the CDU, AfD, and other parties, weakening the Ampel coalition.

Against this backdrop, Brantner and Onay claim the Greens are now the true successors to liberal values. They argue that freedom and equality must remain central to any modern liberalism. At the same time, they caution against divisive gender policies, insisting that universal rights should not be overshadowed by identity debates. The co-leaders propose a new approach that blends market solutions with climate action. They suggest harnessing economic forces to fight global warming while maintaining individual responsibility. Their vision also includes a stronger European defence union, framing security as a shared liberal priority.

The Greens' call for a revamped liberalism emphasises sustainability, justice, and market-driven policies. Their argument arrives as the FDP's electoral struggles raise questions about the future of Germany's liberal tradition. The party's leaders now position themselves as the standard-bearers of a movement they believe must evolve.