A senior Free Democratic Party (FDP) member, Gyde Jensen, attributes the party’s poor performance in the recent federal election to the societal situation in Germany. According to Jensen, many people in the country felt more secure in a time of crisis by voting for a party that supports a strong state, which is not what the FDP offers.
Jensen, however, strongly disagrees with the widespread criticism of party leader Christian Lindner, saying that the party has benefited from his public presence and that there are other notable personalities within the party. Jensen acknowledged Lindner’s dedication, stating that he has given half of his life to the party, setting personal aspects aside.
Party leader Christian Lindner had announced on election day that he would be stepping back from politics. The FDP, with a 4.3% share of the vote, failed to clear the five-percent threshold and secure a seat in the Bundestag.