The FDP in Thuringia has chosen its state chairman, Thomas Kemmerich, as the top candidate for the state election in September. The former short-term prime minister aims to secure “eight to ten percent” of the votes. Kemmerich will not receive support from the FDP federal association. Despite facing poor polling results in Thuringia, Kemmerich remains undeterred, stating, “We will not be afraid.”
Thuringia’s former short-term prime minister and state party leader, Thomas Kemmerich, will lead the FDP Thuringia into the state election on September 1. The 59-year-old was nominated as the lead candidate for the state parliament list at a party conference in Weimar. He received 120 out of 134 valid votes, with 13 delegates voting against him and one abstention. This result equated to around 89.5 percent of the votes cast. Kemmerich did not have any opposing candidates. In February 2020, Kemmerich sparked nationwide protests after being elected as prime minister of Thuringia with the support of the CDU and the AfD. He later resigned from the position and remains a controversial figure within the FDP.
The federal association announced that the Thuringian party colleagues would not receive financial support from the national campaign fund of the FDP. The necessary funds will be raised through donations, with Kemmerich stating that approximately 600,000 euros are needed. Of this amount, around 360,000 euros have already been raised, representing 60 percent. Kemmerich expressed confidence in reaching the donation target. In the 2019 state election, the FDP narrowly crossed the five percent threshold. Recent polls indicated the party’s support at two to three percent, which could result in the party not entering the state parliament.
Kemmerich emphasized his hope for a return to the state parliament, expressing confidence in proving wrong those who rely on opinion polls. Refusing to be intimidated, Kemmerich stated, “We have good candidates on the ground.” He reiterated his election goal of securing “eight to ten percent” of the votes, aiming for a “coalition of the center” with the CDU, FDP, and SPD. Kemmerich ruled out a coalition with the new Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW), labelling it as “Left 2.0.” Furthermore, he reiterated that the Left party, in power in Thuringia for the past ten years alongside the SPD and Greens, is not a suitable partner for the FDP.
