Bijan Djir-Sarai

Bijan Djir-Sarai is a German politician of the Free Democratic Party (FDP) who has served as the party's Secretary-General since 2013. A key figure in the modern FDP, he is known for his organizational leadership and advocacy for liberal economic policies and a strong transatlantic partnership. His political career has been closely associated with the tenure of party leader Christian Lindner.

Early life and education

Bijan Djir-Sarai was born in Tehran, Iran, and immigrated to West Germany with his family in 1985, settling in Siegen, North Rhine-Westphalia. After completing his Abitur, he studied political science and economics at the University of Siegen. During his studies, he became actively involved in the Young Liberals, the youth wing of the FDP, laying the groundwork for his future political career. He graduated with a Diplom degree in social sciences.

Political career

Djir-Sarai began his professional political work as a parliamentary assistant to FDP member of the Bundestag Jürgen Koppelin. He was first elected to the German Bundestag in the 2009 federal election, representing the Siegen-Wittgenstein district. Following the FDP's failure to clear the five-percent threshold in the 2013 federal election, he lost his seat but was appointed Secretary-General of the party that December by new chairman Christian Lindner. In this role, he was instrumental in rebuilding the party organization and strategy, leading to its return to the Bundestag after the 2017 election, in which he also regained his parliamentary mandate. He has served on several important committees, including the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on European Union Affairs. Djir-Sarai was a key negotiator for the FDP during the 2017 coalition talks with the CDU/CSU and the Greens, and again following the 2021 election which led to the formation of the traffic light coalition with the SPD and the Greens.

Political positions

Within the FDP, Djir-Sarai is considered a staunch economic liberal and a pragmatic Atlanticist. He consistently advocates for reducing bureaucracy, tax cuts, and strengthening the digital economy. In foreign policy, he is a strong supporter of NATO, close ties with the United States, and a firm stance towards Russia, particularly following the annexation of Crimea and the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. He has also been vocal on human rights issues in Iran and supports a robust European security and defense policy. His positions often align with the mainstream of the FDP leadership under Christian Lindner.

Personal life

Bijan Djir-Sarai is married and has children. He holds both German and Iranian citizenship. He is a practicing Shia Muslim and has spoken publicly about the importance of religious freedom and integration in Germany. Outside of politics, he has expressed interests in history and sports.

References

Category:1976 births Category:Living people Category:Free Democratic Party (Germany) politicians Category:Members of the Bundestag Category:German people of Iranian descent Category:Politicians from Tehran