Marie‑Agnes Strack‑Zimmermann says she is still willing to stand for the FDP chair together with her party associate Wolfgang Kubicki as a joint front. “We both know that in this situation we carry a lot of responsibility” she told the “Spiegel” on Tuesday. “This teamwork would be a good signal – we discussed it briefly over the phone after the Baden‑Württemberg election”.
Strack‑Zimmermann describes Kubicki as “straight‑forward, experienced, and well known”. The European Parliament member added that the two appeal to different voter groups, which she sees as the real charm of a partnership: “We are often told we cannot get along, let alone cooperate. That’s nonsense”.
After Strack‑Zimmermann announced her willingness to form a joint leadership, Kubicki declined the offer on Monday. “I don’t know whether he will change his mind or run alone or with someone else” she said. “Regardless, we will meet each other with respect”.
She also said she could imagine a joint leadership with FDP vice‑chair Henning Höne. “I have a lot of respect for him” she praised the North Rhine-Westphalian party and parliamentary leader. “You can’t simply put two people side by side and say ‘go ahead,’ it must be built on fundamental trust and a willingness to collaborate”.
Strack‑Zimmermann noted that Höne is “relatively young but already very politically experienced”. She added that his generation represents the long‑term future of the FDP. “Given the huge loss of trust we’re experiencing as a party, working together would make a lot of sense”.