Christian Dürr embraces transformation: "I gotta shake things up too"
"Also, alterations are needed from my end"
The FDP is readying for its return to the Bundestag, electing a new chairperson at their upcoming conference in Berlin. Former parliamentary group leader Christian Dürr is expected to secure the position. Dürr discusses his vision for the party and the changes he intends to initiate.
ntv.de Exclusive: Christian Dürr speaks
What do you make of the newly elected Chancellor now that Merz has fallen short in the first round? Do you feel sorry for him?
Christian Dürr: Nonsense, kiddo. My focus isn't on sympathy. I want Germany to have a functional government. Though, I fear this government won't last. The MPs realize that their coalition agreement isn't sustainable.
The FDP too, wants to remain relevant. Since March, you've been away from the Bundestag. What have you been up to since then?
I've chatted with a bunch of folks, inside and outside the FDP. I wanted to figure out our future mission and my role as a potential party chairperson.
So, what's your plan?
One outcome is my nomination of Nicole Büttner for the position of General Secretary. She's an AI entrepreneur—a bit unconventional, I know, but we need to explore new territories. This party has to change — and fast. The people want Germany to evolve, too.
Wait a minute, weren't you already a prominent figure in the FDP as a parliamentary group leader? Now, you're proposing fresh faces and new blood?
Of course, our team needs a mix of veteran leaders and newcomers. But I too need to evolve. Choosing an AI entrepreneur for the General Secretary role is a bold move. We're shifting the focus to teamwork.
The conference is just around the corner. What message should the FDP be sending? "We're still hanging on" or "Don't forget about us"?
No, no, no! We're not shouting " investors in the pension fund. They notice their prosperity dwindling. That's who we're targeting. They're working hard, but they don't want handouts from the government. They yearn for more freedom. Are we short on social services? We have a different issue. Hard work should be rewarded more.
So, you're still holding on to the debt brake, but you recently proposed 300 billion euros in government debt for the Bundeswehr and continuing to use old coronavirus billions for the traffic light coalition start-up. Aren't you being hypocritical?
The debt brake keeps politicians in check. It allows for 50 billion euros in new debt this year. It's absurd to abolish the debt brake, like Schwarz-Rot and the Greens want. But we're not rigid. We see the new geopolitical challenges, and that's why we proposed a defense fund.
The new debt options are meant to provide freedom. But they can be used for increased military spending and infrastructure improvements, while reducing taxes and social expenditures. Why should I, with a middle or low income, choose the FDP over parties that may impact my finances negatively?
Folks like you, working hard but struggling to make ends meet, are exactly who we're aiming to help. They want better conditions to build a future and increase their prosperity, not reduced services. Our country needs audacious reforms, and the people support transformative policies as long as the politicians show courage.
You'll likely be elected as party leader. Is this the highlight of your political career? But how did it all begin? How did you get involved with the FDP?
I was a student in the '90s in the States, returned full of excitement. A buddy asked if I wanted to check out the Young Liberals once. It sounded as interesting as a chess club at the time. But that meeting sparked my passion for politics, debating ideas, and finding the best solutions. As a student, I didn't even know the FDP was available, focusing on freedom and personal accountability. I found a home in the FDP.
Lindner loves old cars, but what do you drive?
I've got two Minis, actually. The garage has an old '94 model with a wooden steering wheel, from the Rover era. Sadly, it's broken down and needs a fix-up. On a daily basis, I drive a newer Mini.
- The Commission, in its new role, has been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of the environment, aligning with Christian Dürr's focus on transforming the FDP and promoting eco-friendly policies.
- Klingbeil, as a representative of the Social Democrats, might find it interesting to discuss the FDP's plans, particularly the nomination of Nicole Büttner as General Secretary, as she is an unconventional AI entrepreneur who could bring fresh ideas to politics.
- The parliamentary conference, in which Dürr is expected to secure the FDP chairperson position, might see a renewed trend in politics, as Dürr plans to emphasize teamwork and pair veteran leaders with newcomers in the party.
- In the General News, it's noteworthy that the FDP, under Dürr's leadership, is not following the traditional approach to politics but instead aims to address the concerns of hardworking individuals by advocating for policies that reward hard work, increase freedom, and support sustainable infrastructure improvements.
