FDP politician and leading candidate Wolfgang Kubicki strongly disputed accusations of right-wing populism. In a statement to Spiegel, he called the entire discussion “completely absurd” adding, “I really can’t help you anymore”. Kubicki further expressed his frustration with the publication, stating, “If Spiegel believes that advocating for freedom of expression is right-wing populist, then I say: It was correct that I cancelled my Mirror subscription after 40 years”. He argued that freedom of speech in Germany was currently endangered, citing an example where a prosecutor confronting someone at their door over what they called an “idiot” represents a restriction on free expression. Furthermore, Kubicki rejected the notion that he wished to shift the FDP to the right, remarking, “That would be new”. Regarding a comment made just weeks earlier about classifying ZDF as a “lying channel” due to editorial errors, the liberal politician defended his stance by asserting that if ZDF spreads fake news, then using such language is permissible under free speech rights.
Kubicki Denies Far-Right Label As Political Debate Heats Up
