Free Democratic Party

The Free Democratic Party (FDP) is a liberal political party in Germany. It was created in 1948 by people who were once part of older liberal parties, such as the German Democratic Party and the German People's Party.

For many years, especially between 1961 and 1982, the FDP helped decide which groups could work together in Germany’s main decision-making group, the Bundestag.

The FDP often worked with bigger parties, like the CDU/CSU and the Social Democratic Party, to help form governments. However, in some elections, such as in 2013 and 2025, the FDP did not get enough votes to stay in the Bundestag. This meant they could not help make laws for a while.

The FDP supports ideas like free markets and privatization. They believe businesses should have less control from the government. The party is part of groups that bring together liberal parties from many countries in Europe.

History

The Free Democratic Party (FDP) began as part of liberal parties from 1861 in Germany. It was officially started in 1948 after World War II, uniting members from older liberal groups. For much of the late 1900s, the FDP helped balance power in Germany’s government.

In the early years of the Federal Republic of Germany, the FDP often worked with bigger parties. It supported policies for free markets and individual rights. Over time, the FDP changed between supporting center-right and center-left groups, affecting German politics during key moments, like when Germany reunited in 1990.

The party faced challenges in the 2000s, such as internal disagreements and changes in voter opinions. Still, the FDP kept pushing for liberal ideas, like freedom of speech, economic reform, and individual freedoms. Its role in German politics stays important, even though it has had both wins and losses in recent elections.

Ideology and platform

The Free Democratic Party (FDP) in Germany has views that are in the middle or a little to the right. People often call the FDP a liberal party. This means they support free markets and less government control in people’s lives.

The FDP often talks about cutting taxes, spending less money, and keeping budgets balanced. They also support protecting the environment and civil liberties. In recent years, the FDP has talked about improving Germany’s digital systems, spending more on education, and allowing people to hold citizenship from more than one country. They also support allowing same-sex marriages and have mixed feelings about how Europe should work together.

Electorate

In the 1940s and 1950s, the FDP was the only German party that strongly supported a market economy. It was created to bring together people who believed in liberty and others with different views.

The FDP has mostly had male members. In 1995, fewer than one-third of its members were women. By the 1990s, about 20% of the party's national leaders were women.

The FDP usually gets support from professionals and people who work for themselves. It does not have a large, steady group of voters like some other parties. In the 2021 elections, the FDP was very popular with voters under age 30. Many young people in cities chose the FDP and similar parties.

European representation

In the European Parliament, the Free Democratic Party has five members. They work in a group called Renew Europe.

Election results

Federal parliament (Bundestag)

Here are the Free Democratic Party's results in each election for the federal Bundestag. You can see timelines showing how many seats and what share of votes the party won on the right.

European Parliament

State parliaments (Länder)

Results timeline

Leadership

Main article: Leader of the Free Democratic Party (Germany)

The Free Democratic Party in Germany has had many leaders. These leaders help guide the party and its ideas. They have important roles in shaping the party’s direction and influence in German politics.

Leader of the FDP

Leader of the FDP in the Bundestag