Thomas Kemmerich Re-elected as FDP Thuringia Leader Despite Election Debacle

Kemmerich secures leadership with 70.9% of votes amid criticism following FDP's poor state election performance.

Thomas Kemmerich has been re-elected as the FDP Landesvorsitzender in Thuringia, receiving 70.9% of the votes at the party congress in Ilmenau.
Despite the FDP's disastrous 1.1% vote share in the recent state election, which led to their exit from the Landtag, Kemmerich decided to run for leadership again.
Critics within the party have called for a change in direction, citing Kemmerich's campaign as overly focused on himself and not resonating with voters.
Some delegates criticized the influence of national issues like war debates and gender discussions overshadowing local campaign efforts.
Previously known for his controversial election as Thuringian Minister-President with AfD support in 2020, Kemmerich remains a divisive figure within the FDP.