FDP leader Lindner criticizes condescending view of East Germany

FDP leader Christian Lindner complains that many West Germans and the media have a patronizing view of East Germany. There is an attitude of paternalism from above and the opinion that democracy has to be explained to people in the East, Lindner said at an election campaign appearance in Chemnitz.

However, it was the people there who brought down the wall in 1989 with their desire for freedom and democracy. "I believe that many citizens in East Germany simply have a finer sense when it comes to the restriction of freedom and freedom of expression."

There is racism and xenophobia in Saxony, said Lindner. "But that is not representative of this strong free state." Since 2015, there has been a loss of control over immigration in Germany in some areas, said the FDP politician. However, a turnaround has now been achieved. However, further steps still need to be taken.

This includes recognizing more countries as safe countries of origin. He cited Morocco and Tunisia as examples. At the same time, Lindner defended Germany's solidarity with Ukraine. Russia had attacked the country unprovoked because the people there wanted to live in freedom and democracy. "Because Ukraine wanted freedom, Putin attacked it. In doing so, he also attacked our values. That's why we support Ukraine."

A new state parliament will be elected in Saxony on September 1. The FDP is currently not represented there, with polls showing it still below the five percent mark. The lead candidate for the state election is Robert Malorny from Dresden.

In their election manifesto, the Free Democrats advocate free master craftsman training and an end to the state gambling monopoly. Real estate transfer tax should be abolished for companies setting up in the region. The loss of teaching hours should also be reduced. According to the FDP, civil servants from the administration should also help out at schools. Tax officials could teach mathematics or employees of the forestry administration could teach biology, according to the program.