For the FDP, there can only be one conclusion from the election result, which is positive for it: it must leave the sidelines and seize the opportunity to become part of the coming federal government.
Because, unlike four years ago, it is no longer just a matter of who is in power under Angela Merkel.
The coming legislature will decide in which direction the country will develop.
When it comes to pension policy, climate protection and digitization, the liberals have free-market ideas that set them apart from the political competition. If the FDP is serious about it, it must be open to a three-party coalition, regardless of whether the Chancellor is Armin Laschet or Olaf Scholz. Wasting four more years in the opposition would not be conveyed to the FDP voters and would deprive the party of relevance and credibility. “There was never more to do” posted the Lindner party. Yes, go then!
The FDP decided early on on its preferred partner, the Union. Now it could actually come to the Jamaica coalition. In this constellation, the FDP would be the smallest partner, but thanks to thematic overlaps with the Union, it could set accents. This applies above all to tax and climate policy. That would be more complicated in a traffic light coalition. But compromises are also conceivable with the SPD and the Greens. In addition, after 16 years Merkel has enough projects that urgently need to be breathed new life: the energy transition, skilled workers, infrastructure are the most important keywords.
In the upcoming exploratory talks, the Liberals are faced with the challenge of offering themselves as coalition partners without revealing their content or selling themselves below their value.
The FDP is not allowed to participate in tax increases if it does not want to disappoint its voters again directly.
It must use ministerial offices to distinguish itself personally and no longer to appear like a "Lindner party".
Much remains unclear after the election evening.
But one thing is certain: the FDP will not be able to fall back on the phrase "Better not to govern than to govern badly".
The motto can only be: now or never.