German FDP rebounds above 5% threshold after party congress, Kubicki optimistic

After a turbulent FDP party congress, new chairman Wolfgang Kubicki said the party has risen back to the 5 percent poll threshold, citing a recent Forsa survey. He expressed confidence that internal tensions will subside and that the party is ready to move forward. Kubicki told the Süddeutsche Zeitung that “the old terrier has been awakened” in him and even sent a text to Chancellor Friedrich Merz saying, “Mission impossible is completed, but the fight continues.”

The FDP aims to attract disillusioned voters from the CDU and even some former AfD supporters, positioning itself to the right of centre. Party strategists also discussed a new visual identity using blue and yellow, stressing a “clear, modern and focused” design to reinforce the liberal brand.

Overall, the party leadership presented the congress as a sign of renewed life and readiness to contest upcoming elections with a more optimistic and assertive stance.