- Lindner complains about the condescending view of East Germany
FDP leader Christian Lindner complains about the condescending view many West Germans and media have towards East Germany. He says there's an attitude of patronizing from above and the belief that one must explain democracy to the people in the East. At a campaign event in Chemnitz, Lindner stated that it was the people there who, in 1989, toppled the wall with their desire for freedom and democracy. "I believe that many citizens in East Germany have a more refined sense when it comes to the restriction of freedom and freedom of speech."
While acknowledging that there is racism and xenophobia in Saxony, Lindner maintains that this is not representative of the strong state. He says that since 2015, Germany has experienced periods of loss of control in immigration, but a turnaround has since been achieved, with more steps needed. This includes recognizing more countries as safe countries of origin, such as Morocco and Tunisia. Lindner also defends Germany's solidarity with Ukraine, stating that Russia attacked the country unprovoked because its people wanted freedom and democracy. "Because Ukraine wanted freedom, Putin invaded it. By doing so, he also attacked our values. Therefore, we support Ukraine."
On September 1, a new state parliament will be elected in Saxony. The FDP is currently not represented there, with polls showing them below the five percent mark. Robert Malorny from Dresden is the top candidate for the state election.
In their election program, the Free Democrats advocate for free master's training and an end to the state's gambling monopoly. For business settlements, the real estate transfer tax should be abolished. They also aim to reduce teaching absenteeism, with plans for administrators from the civil service to assist at schools. According to the program, tax officials could teach mathematics, or employees of the forestry administration could teach biology.
Despite the current absence of the FDP in the Saxony state parliament, their top candidate, Robert Malorny from Dresden, is optimistic for the upcoming election on September 1. In East Germany, some citizens have shown a keen understanding of freedom and democracy restrictions, as acknowledged by FDP leader Christian Lindner.
