Making his comments in a podcast for the Funke group, FDP candidate Wolfgang Kubicki stated that he finds collaborating on votes with the AfD unproblematic. He rejected the concept of a “firewall” clarifying that while he would not agree to the AfD’s proposals, he would not also make his own policy proposals dependent on the AfD offering support. He argued that doing so would be counterproductive, effectively handing the AfD control over the FDP’s entire agenda. Despite his willingness to vote together, Kubicki categorically ruled out forming a coalition with the party.
When asked if he planned to establish a new protest party, Kubicki responded by stating that every party, in fact, has elements of a protest party. He added that there was no need for such a development. Instead, he asserted that the FDP was not defunct but simply needed to be revitalized. According to Kubicki, this revival must be built upon a foundation of self-confidence, rather than constantly defining itself by opposition to other groups.