Mike Theurer Bids Adieu: FDP Chairperson of Baden-Württemberg Quits Politics
Hey there! Here's the lowdown:
After a whopping 40 years in German politics, Michael Theurer, a formidable political force, has decided to hang up his boots, stepping down as the Chairman of the FDP in Baden-Württemberg and State Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Transport and Rail Transport, effective September 1st. He's also vacating his seat on the FDP federal board.
So, why the sudden exit? Theurer has his eyes set on a position at the Federal Bank, which requires him to maintain neutrality. Fear not, he'll remain a devoted FDP member and maintain a strong connection with the regional branch.
A staunch advocate for liberal values, Theurer's departure from politics isn't easy, but he's eager for his next chapter. He encourages his fellow party members to continue championing their values, especially in trying times when authoritarian forces might emerge victorious.
With a career spanning over four decades, Theurer has served as the head of the South West Liberals since 2013, re-elected with an impressive 78% of the votes last summer. A Tübingen economics grad, he was the mayor of Horb am Neckar from 1995 to 2009. He was a member of the Baden-Württemberg state parliament from 2001 to 2009 and an MEP from 2009 to 2017. Since 2017, he's been a member of the Bundestag.
His deputy and FDP parliamentary group leader praised his "selfless service" to the regional branch, expressing regret over his impending departure. The state party leadership is committed to building upon the success established by Theurer.
As of now, no candidates have stepped forward to replace Theurer. The state board meeting in mid-September will deliberate on future plans, and a party conference scheduled for early January will elect a new chairperson. If demanded, a member survey could be conducted, although it won't be legally binding.
Following Theurer's departure, the Federal Ministry of Transport will need to find a new Representative for Rail Transport. The parties involved will weigh their options carefully before selecting a suitable successor.
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Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of how a new FDP Chairperson for Baden-Württemberg might be chosen. After Theurer's resignation is formalized, the following steps would likely transpire:
- Announcement: The FDP leadership in Baden-Württemberg would announce Theurer's resignation to the party members and the public, signaling the vacancy.
- Interim Leadership: Until a new chairperson is elected, an interim leader might be appointed to manage the party's affairs. This could be a senior FDP member or someone with significant experience within the party.
- Call for Candidates: The FDP in Baden-Württemberg would launch a call for candidates, inviting party members to propose or nominate individuals they believe would be suitable for the role.
- Internal Elections: The nominated candidates would then be subject to an internal election within the FDP. This process might involve a vote by the party members or a smaller committee of senior party officials.
- Congress Approval: The elected candidate would need to be approved by the state party congress of the FDP in Baden-Württemberg. This ensures that the new chairperson has the support of the broader party membership.
- Formal Appointment: Once approved, the new chairperson would be formally appointed and take up the responsibilities of leading the FDP in Baden-Württemberg.
This process is generally how political parties in Germany, including the FDP, manage leadership transitions. However, specific details might vary depending on the party's internal rules and procedures[1].
