On 6 January, ALDE Party member FDP in Germany held its annual Three Kings Day Meeting in Stuttgart, Germany, to kick-start a pivotal political year leading up to the European elections on 6-9 June. 

In his keynote speech, FDP party leader and Germany’s Minister of Finance Christian Lindner focused on future challenges and goals for Germany and Europe. 

“Our country's prosperity is based not on the appetite for subsidies, but on foresight, innovation and willingness to take risks. And that's why I'm convinced that we now need a dynamisation package for our German economy,” said Lindner. 

“Now it's our turn. It is our job to re-infect this country with our liberal thirst for action. This is a task for each and every one of us to achieve departure, change and a shift in mood. Everyone can make a difference every day.” 

Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, FDP’s designated lead candidate for the European elections, shared her thoughts on Europe’s migration and foreign policy, and called for support ahead of the June elections.

“If Europe does not want to marginalise itself and disappear, if it wants to be there for its children and their children, then it must become self-confident. We need our own foreign policy, a common security policy, a different value policy,” she said. 

“If this continent wants to continue to exist, if it does not want to be wiped out between the great powers of the world, then this Europe must become resilient. It’s the year of the Democrats, the freedom lovers, the Europeans. I’m counting on you.” 

You can watch the full speech by Christian Lindner below (in German). 

Photo: FDP