Rulke takes the helm for FDP in the state election - FDP, under Rülke's leadership, competes in parliamentary elections
The Free Democratic Party (FDP) is preparing for the 2026 Baden-Württemberg state election, with a focus on economic growth, education, innovation, environmental policies, migration, integration, and citizens' participation. However, the party faces a challenge as it has not won any direct mandates in the last two elections due to a new electoral system.
In the past two elections, the FDP did not secure any "best loser" mandates either, as these were allocated based on the placement on the state list rather than the number of votes received compared to other candidates of their party in a government district.
Hans-Ulrich Rülke, a top candidate for the FDP, is expected to promote the party's liberal values, foster economic growth, address regional issues, and build coalition partnerships. Rülke, who is the chairman of the state parliamentary group, aims to transform the FDP from an opposition party to a governing one.
The new electoral system in the state election will likely make the list position crucial for the FDP's candidates. If the party manages to secure a place in the state parliament after the election on March 8, 2026, it could potentially be the swing vote in a coalition with the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD).
The FDP received 10.5% of the votes in the 2021 election, with Rülke receiving 88.9% approval at the state representative assembly in Pforzheim. The party is currently fluctuating around the five percent hurdle in polls for the state election in the southwest. If the FDP fails to surpass this hurdle, Rülke believes that no one will believe they can still reach more than five percent elsewhere.
Baden-Württemberg is the only federal state where the FDP has never been extra-parliamentary. The party was last part of the Baden-Württemberg state government in 2011, under Minister President Stefan Mappus (CDU). Rülke aims for a "bourgeois turn, a bourgeois policy" in the FDP's state election campaign.
The state election in Baden-Württemberg is considered important for the overall FDP party. The FDP is launching its state election campaign with Rülke as the top candidate, emphasising the need for a strong economy, innovative education, and balanced environmental policies. The party is also focusing on streamlining migration and integration processes, increasing public engagement in policy-making, and advocating for market-driven solutions to reduce carbon emissions.
Despite the FDP's focus on economic growth, education, environmental policies, migration, integration, and citizens' participation, their success in the 2026 Baden-Württemberg state election hinges on securing a favorable list position due to the new electoral system. Hans-Ulrich Rülke, as the top candidate, aims to promote the party's liberal values and build coalition partnerships, striving to transform the FDP from an opposition party to a governing one. This election could potentially influence the overall direction of policy-and-legislation in Baden-Württemberg and Germany, making it a crucial point of focus in politics and general news.
