I decided against quoting from https://www.debian.org/vote/2026/platforms/srud - current Debian project lead - because it looked like a short out of context quote would misrepresent him and also maybe a fast way to get flagged.

I like Debian, they still make a great OS, and I want to be clear I have no complaints against Chandran who as far as I know is doing a great job in a tough position.

But if you look at the platform he's outlining the current DPL ran with the clear understanding that Free Software is one of a couple of priorities. Something that, in this context, really stands out is he thinks the Debian project culture needs an infusion of new blood and ideas. In fact, this page has a number of absolute classics for how ideological organisations go soft. He wants new people involved, he thinks that the community is too conservative about change and he doesn't say much on the topic but it looks quite possible that he wants to start legitimising Debian as a serious organisation (getting it formally registered and branching out to find more funding). Take all that in context of the idea that they can't find someone who wants to be project lead in order to promote free software.

So again, I personally would love it if Debian kept to their rabid pro-freedom stance, but I would not rely on it as the Debian Devs slowly rotate to a new generation; there is always a high risk that they quietly transition to "Open Source" then go the Mozilla route. The people matter far more than the paperwork.