According to a poll conducted for the “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung” by the Allensbach Institute for Psychographics, the electoral potential of the FDP is currently increasing. The survey found that 24 percent of the population is convinced that the FDP is needed. This figure has fluctuated significantly over the past 25 years, ranging between 18 and 41 percent, and reached its lowest point at 18 percent during the final stages of the current “traffic light” coalition. Furthermore, almost one in five respondents indicated that they want the FDP to return to parliament in the next federal election, reflecting a generally increasing trend over the past two years.
Currently, 22 percent of the electorate are ready to support the FDP in an election, whether at the federal, state, or local level. According to Allensbach, this potential draws strong support disproportionately from West Germany, higher social strata, and, most importantly, among former FDP voters.
Despite the growing support, the overall potential appeal of liberalism remains significantly larger; 31 percent of the population feel it is important that a liberal party is represented in the political spectrum. This conviction is shared similarly across age groups and social classes.
However, the poll also revealed several gaps when comparing public expectations for a liberal party against the FDP’s perceived performance. Despite having controlled some ministries in the previous legislative term, the FDP lags behind expectations in key areas: 71 percent expect a liberal party to advocate for sound budgetary policies, a view held by only 38 percent of respondents regarding the FDP. Similarly, while 60 percent expect support for research and innovation, only 28 percent believe the FDP engages in this area. Expectations for better and more modern schools are held by 62 percent, yet only 24 percent assume this is a concern for the FDP.
The survey was conducted orally and personally between April 18 and April 30, involving 1,015 people.