Liberal leader in Germany steps down following electoral loss
The head of Germany's Free Democratic Party has confirmed his decision to retire. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
FDP leader Christian Lindner has announced his retirement from politics following a significant defeat in the recent Bundestag elections.
“The federal election brought a defeat for the FDP, but hopefully a new beginning for Germany. That was what I had fought for,” Lindner stated on social media. “Now I am retiring from active politics,” he added.
As of 00:35 am local time on Monday, projections from German media indicate that Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democratic Union has garnered 28.5% of the votes, with the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany party expected to receive 20.7%. The FDP is anticipated to secure a mere 4.4%.
Lindner previously held the position of finance minister in the traffic light coalition government formed by the FDP, Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democrats, and the Greens. This coalition fell apart last year after Lindner withdrew his support over disputes regarding the budget.
In a speech following the release of preliminary results, Scholz acknowledged the disappointing outcome. “This is a bitter election result for the Social Democratic Party. It is also an electoral defeat,” he remarked.
The campaign was largely influenced by demands for stricter measures against illegal immigration and extremism, particularly in the context of a series of terrorist attacks. Additionally, discussions centered on redefining Germany’s role in international relations in light of U.S. President Donald Trump’s attempts to resolve the Ukraine conflict without European Union consent.
Emily Johnson for TROIB News
“The federal election brought a defeat for the FDP, but hopefully a new beginning for Germany. That was what I had fought for,” Lindner stated on social media. “Now I am retiring from active politics,” he added.
As of 00:35 am local time on Monday, projections from German media indicate that Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democratic Union has garnered 28.5% of the votes, with the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany party expected to receive 20.7%. The FDP is anticipated to secure a mere 4.4%.
Lindner previously held the position of finance minister in the traffic light coalition government formed by the FDP, Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democrats, and the Greens. This coalition fell apart last year after Lindner withdrew his support over disputes regarding the budget.
In a speech following the release of preliminary results, Scholz acknowledged the disappointing outcome. “This is a bitter election result for the Social Democratic Party. It is also an electoral defeat,” he remarked.
The campaign was largely influenced by demands for stricter measures against illegal immigration and extremism, particularly in the context of a series of terrorist attacks. Additionally, discussions centered on redefining Germany’s role in international relations in light of U.S. President Donald Trump’s attempts to resolve the Ukraine conflict without European Union consent.
Emily Johnson for TROIB News
