7. The Free Democratic Party and the 2021 Federal Election: The Road Back to Power

The FDP had a successful 2021 Bundestag election. Although it had begun the year polling close to the critical five-per cent mark, it ended with a strong result, the fourth best in its long history, setting the stage for a return to power. It had relied on the successful campaign formula of 2017: supplementing its long-standing emphasis on lower taxes, less bureaucracy, and balanced budgets with calls for increased public investment in education and in digitalisation; remaining open to different coalitions; and featuring Christian Lindner. As in the past, the party did well among educated voters, the self-employed, men and those economically secure. It recorded significant gains among young voters. Following the election, it entered into ‘Traffic-Light’ negotiations with the SPD and Greens and sought to avoid past mistakes. This time all went according to plan, then Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, recasting politics in the Federal Republic and creating unforeseen challenges for the Free Democrats.