Free Democratic Party (Germany)

The German liberal party, founded in 1948, the classic kingmaker of coalition politics.

Overview

The FDP unites national liberals and left liberals in the free market, civil libertarian tradition, formed in 1948 in the western zones. It has served in most national governments, usually as the junior partner deciding between CDU and SPD: Theodor Heuss first president, Hans-Dietrich Genscher foreign minister through unification, Guido Westerwelle and Christian Lindner in later eras. Its 2021-2024 coalition with the SPD and Greens ended when Lindner was dismissed over budget disputes. The party polls near ten percent, a durable niche: tax reduction, digital rights, business friendly regulation, and occupational class voters, making it the most coalition experienced party of the Federal Republic.