Political shocks: Güstrow's mayor leaves the FDP!

Political shocks: Güstrow's mayor leaves the FDP!

Far-reaching changes are currently taking place in the political landscape of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. There were sensational resignations at a turbulent FDP party conference on November 9, 2025 under the pressure of public debates and internal conflicts. Both Güstrow's mayorSascha Zimmermannas well as the mayor of Waren,Toralf Schnur, have left the party. This happened after a motion to vote out the state executive committee, which was ultimately rejected. 57 delegates spoke out against the deselection, 49 voted in favor of the state chairmanRené Domkea sign of confidence in his course.

Zimmermann, who was in the FDP for over 24 years and was elected mayor a year ago with 72 percent, expressed strong criticism of the state executive's handling of differences of opinion and called for an open discussion. This criticism is also reflected in the ranks of the delegates; They speak of a “lack of freedom of expression” and worrying “attempts at intimidation”. The Schwerin district chairman also calledPaul BresselDomke to resign.

Information on the current state of the FDP

The debates within the FDP are characterized by divided opinions about the political course and personnel policy. Domke, who was re-elected with almost 68 percent, wants to send a signal for freedom and personal responsibility with a clear “no” to the AfD. These intra-party differences also led to the cancellation of the planned state delegate conference to draw up the state list for the 2026 state election. The party faces an uncertain future following the dissolution of the parliamentary group, as current polls suggest the party is struggling to reach the five percent hurdle that allowed it to return to the state parliament in 2021 with 5.8 percent.

In this context, the importance of freedom of expression becomes particularly clear. The FDP vice-presidentWolfgang Kubickihas emphasized in the past that this freedom is the lifeblood of our democracy. He warns against a division of opinions into “good” and “crude”, which could harm the fundamental principles of the German constitution. In the current political culture, he sees freedom of expression under pressure, including through statements made by the Federal Minister for Family AffairsKarin Prienon the need for regulation to preserve the democratic system.

Kubicki criticized Prien's stance as part of an "anti-freedom agenda" and argued that a democratic system cannot be defended by illiberal means. His clear demand to the FDP remains: It must take a decisive position in favor of freedom and oppose regulations that seek to excessively control people's lives. These voices and the internal conflicts within the party cast a shadow over the future of the FDP in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

For further information about the current situation of the FDP and its values, you can official website of the FDP as well as the Comments by Wolfgang Kubicki visit.