German Culture

(1)

"As much government as necessary, as little government as possible," (2)

History

Theodor Heuss first chairman 1948
Heuss was first president of federal republic of germany from 1949-1959 free democratic party is a centrist german party that advocate individualism, captialism and social reform.
It was established in December 1948 at a conference attended by delegates from liberal parties in American, British and French zone occupation.
Formed from nine regionally organized parties: BDV, DemP, DP, DVP (Northern Württemberg-Baden), DVP (Southern Württemberg-Hohenzollern), FDP from the Brtitish Zone of Occupation and The Free State of Bavaria and the LDP from the State of Hesse and Berlin West.

Major events

1970 to 1990s Hans-Dietrich Genscher led the fdp as the forgein minister of germany
During the 2002 elections, Juergen Moellemann published an anti-Semitic pamphlet and was forced to leave the FDP before commiting suicide in 2003.
Guido Westerwelle 2009 best result in federal election and second-longest serving chairman
2009 party support collapses (dropped to as low as 5%)
2011 Guido Westerwelle stepped down after party was wiped out in select states.

Guido Westerwelle(3)

Phillipp Rosler(4)

Current Standing

Guido had to step down from vice-chancelor in 2011 due to being unable to lower taxes as promised in 2009 election
Phillipp Rosler succeeded Guido as chairman of FDP and vice-chancelor in May 2011
"kingmaker"

Fun Facts