At a pivotal moment in German politics, the Free Democratic Party (FDP) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) met on Sunday to finalize their strategies for the upcoming European elections. The party conventions were marked by a sense of urgency and a call to action as both parties faced declining poll numbers and a shared determination to reinvigorate voter turnout.
During the congresses held on January 28, the two coalition partners officially approved their electoral programs. They announced their leading candidates, setting the stage for what is expected to be an extremely competitive race. Chancellor Olaf Scholz Addressing the SPD rally, he stressed the importance of the upcoming elections, presenting them as a battleground against the rise of right-wing populism in Germany and across Europe.
With a popularity rate of 13.5%, the SPD has made the fight against right-wing ideologies a central pillar of its campaign. Katarina Barley, a politician who led the party’s efforts in the 2019 European elections, has been chosen again to lead the SPD’s efforts. Despite the difficulties encountered in the past, during which the SPD suffered setbacks, the party remains determined to turn the situation around and confront the growing influence of illiberal forces within the EU. Barley is one of the vocal critics of Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orbán’s tactics.
On a note, the FDP, whose support has fallen below the crucial 5% threshold, is campaigning with a focus on reducing bureaucracy at the European level. Marie Agnes Strack Zimmermann, their candidate, strongly criticized the administration of Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for fostering “bureaucratic madness” that hinders innovation. The FDP also highlighted von der Leyen’s perceived policy alignment by referring to her as “Chairman of the Green Commission”, in an attempt to differentiate their stance on regulatory reform.
These national campaigns are taking place in a European political landscape facing significant challenges, including strained relations with Hungary. The SPD and FDP have expressed concerns about Orbán’s behavior and the way the European Commission has handled this situation. In particular, there is controversy surrounding the decision to release EU funds to Hungary – a move seen by some as undermining the EU’s commitment to democratic values.
As Germany’s political parties refine their approaches and rally their supporters, the upcoming European elections become an opportunity not only to overcome internal political obstacles, but also to shape the future path of the European Union. From reforms to safeguarding democratic values, the results of these elections will undoubtedly have important consequences for Germany’s position in Europe and the overall direction of the EU.
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