FDP (Free Democratic Party) has unveiled its plan for the 2025 municipal elections
The Free Democratic Party (FDP) in Willich, a town in North Rhine-Westphalia, is undergoing a generational shift, with the 27-year-old party chairman, Hannes Zühlsdorff, being one of the key figures leading this change. This renewed, young, and dynamic presentation is set to bring fresh ideas and perspectives to the local political landscape.
Long-time FDP member Hans-Joachim Donath, who has been with the party for 40 years, is stepping down due to his age. His departure marks a significant moment in the party's history, paving the way for a new era.
While the exact plans for the mayoral position in 2030 remain undecided, the FDP has expressed its intention to reshuffle the cards. Whether they will make a recommendation for a candidate or allow for an open election is yet to be determined.
The FDP's municipal election program, presented under the motto "Our Home. Our Future", emphasises the need to strengthen the sense of security in Willich. To achieve this, they propose a more visible presence for the municipal public order service and the police station.
In terms of future municipal policies, the FDP focuses on innovation in social security and economic opportunity. They advocate for generational equity, potentially through concepts like a stock-based pension, aiming to ensure financial security for young people entering the workforce.
The FDP also places great importance on education and the chances for youth. They are actively engaging young voters and view the youth parliament or local youth representation as an important platform for democratic participation and empowering younger generations.
In addition, the FDP aims to turn Willich into a smart city, with a focus on digital services and 24/7 online access to municipal services. They also propose promoting affordable housing, particularly for young people, and exploring possibilities in promoting tiny houses, co-living, and filling construction gaps.
To modernise the administration and further decrease bureaucracy, the FDP plans to establish a youth parliament with real influence on the future of the city. They also advocate for a reduction in trade tax and oppose a tax increase, aiming to set a new course for the city's future.
Ralf Klein, who is 61 years old, serves as the link between the generations in the FDP. He has been instrumental in guiding the party through this transition period.
Hans-Joachim Donath has highlighted the decreasing population of Willich, with the number dropping from 53,000 to 51,000. The FDP's strategies to address this issue and other municipal policies can be found in their "Progress Program 2025", which includes central keywords such as Digital & Citizen-friendly, Mobile & Climate-friendly, Affordable Housing, Strengthen Education & Youth, Freedom Needs Security, and Budget & Economy.
Max Brauckmann, a 20-year-old, has taken over the press work for the FDP, further demonstrating the party's commitment to involving young people in its operations.
The FDP's "Willich drives better" plan includes smart traffic lights, improved bus connections, and safer, barrier-free bike paths, indicating a focus on sustainable and efficient transportation solutions.
For detailed and up-to-date information on FDP Willich’s generational strategies, municipal policies, youth parliament involvement, or mayoral candidates, local FDP Willich communications or official Willich municipal resources would be the most direct sources.
Hannes Zuэhlsdorff, the 27-year-old FDP chairman, has willingly and eagerly embraced leading the generational shift within the party, eager to implement innovative ideas and perspectives that can help shape the future of local politics in Willich. The FDP has revealed an ambition to engage young voters and to influence future policy-and-legislation through the establishment of a youth parliament, aiming to empower younger generations in the community.