- Lindner complains of "lowering eyes" on East Germany
FDP leader Christian Lindner complains about a patronizing view of many West Germans and the media towards East Germany. There's an attitude of condescension and the belief that one must explain democracy to the people in the East, he said during a campaign appearance in Chemnitz.
He pointed out 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 keener sense for the restriction of freedom and freedom of speech," Lindner said.
Lindner acknowledged that there is racism and xenophobia in Saxony. "But that's not representative of this strong state," he emphasized. While Germany has experienced a loss of control in immigration since 2015, a turnaround has since been achieved. However, more steps are needed.
New state parliaments will be elected in Saxony and Thuringia on September 1, and in Brandenburg on September 22. Currently, the FDP is only represented in the state parliament of Thuringia among the three states.
During the election campaign, Lindner highlighted the importance of recognizing East Germans' efforts towards democracy, stating, "It was the people in East Germany who toppled the wall in 1989, demonstrating a profound understanding of freedom's restrictions." Referencing the upcoming elections in Saxony, Thuringia, and Brandenburg, Lindner mentioned, "Despite the presence of racism and xenophobia in Saxony, the FDP believes in the strength of this state and aims to contribute further in the upcoming election campaign."
