The Secretary-General of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Carsten Linnemann, has expressed his desire for the Free Democratic Party (FDP) to re-enter the German Bundestag.
When asked by the Bild newspaper about the FDP’s chances of reaching six, seven, or eight percent, Linnemann replied, “I would be happy if it happens. Then we would talk to the FDP, of course. But everyone needs to deliver until February 23 and focus on themselves. That applies to Lindner and to us as well.”
Linnemann reiterated, “I believe that Germany needs a market-oriented breakthrough. I think the FDP belongs in the Bundestag.” He also noted that the new electoral system, which the FDP is also responsible for, will lead to a “brutal” fight for second votes, as parties will need to campaign intensely for their supporters’ second votes.
In contrast, Linnemann expressed his dissatisfaction with the current opinion polls for the Union, which he believes should be higher than 30 percent. He emphasized that the CDU/CSU’s policy goals, such as abolishing the current form of the basic income and implementing border controls, require a stronger showing at the polls.
Linnemann stated, “I’m not one of those people who will be satisfied with 29 percent on election day and then say, ‘I’m very happy.’ If we can achieve 34 percent, that would be a good result.” He added that the CDU has a history of losing elections when it failed to clearly communicate its goals and values and that the party has since developed a new program and a new approach.
The CDU Secretary-General is confident that the party’s poll numbers will improve if it can demonstrate its resilience and ability to withstand challenges in the coming days.