Barbel Bas: The SPD's Down-to-Earth, Non-Traditional Politician Ascends
Bas encounters difficulties as he assumes the role of the new SPD leader.
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Barbel Bas, set to become the third female leader of the SPD, is gearing up for potential challenges due to the rough treatment her predecessors faced. Known for her no-nonsense approach, Bas will likely receive support from FDP veteran Kubicki.
The future SPD chairwoman, Barbel Bas, criticized some party members for their handling of her predecessor, Saskia Esken, showing "great respect" for Esken. She expressed her annoyance at how some treated Esken, saying, "That could happen to me too." When asked why she thought so, Bas replied, "I prefer to expect the worst and be pleasantly surprised if it turns out differently."
Bas and the Mothers' Pension
In contentious matters, Bas is not afraid to take a stand, but she knows that personal conflicts leave deep wounds. If Esken had run for another term, Bas would not have challenged her. "No, I wouldn't have done that," she said.
Barbel Bas is a remarkable figure who has risen through the ranks of the SPD without a high school diploma or university degree, and she's proud of it. "I know it's seen as something special, but I don't feel special," she told a magazine. She believes her lack of academic credentials illustrates the SPD's success in promoting diverse political careers. "We want workers' children to have access to a high school diploma and university education," she says. "If they achieve that, then they should be able to hold positions in the party."
Meanwhile, former Bundestag vice-president Wolfgang Kubicki praised Bas, saying, "If more social democrats were like Barbel Bas, the party would be saved." Kubicki served alongside Bas on the Bundestag presidency for over three years. Despite their political differences, he expressed admiration for Bas due to her reliability, straightforwardness, openness, and down-to-earth nature. He warned that anyone mistreating Bas would have to deal with him.
Miersch Defends Esken
SPD parliamentary group leader Matthias Miersch defended the handling of Saskia Esken, saying she was not pushed aside. He praised Esken's work for the SPD and Olaf Scholz's 2021 election victory, attributing it significantly to her efforts. Esken will continue to serve as the chairwoman of the important education and family committee in the Bundestag.
Despite her lack of a traditional academic background, Barbel Bas's success within the SPD and federal offices signals the possibility of diverse educational pathways leading to high political office in Germany. Her career trajectory represents a success for the SPD and showcases a subtle yet meaningful trend toward valuing diverse educational backgrounds in German politics.
While formal education remains important in Germany's political landscape, there has been a gradual openness towards politicians with diverse educational and professional experiences, especially within social-democratic and left-leaning parties like the SPD. Bas's practical political achievements are evident, even if the specifics of her educational background are not explicitly detailed.
The Commission, in its role, might adopt implementing acts that apply the rules set by this Regulation, considering Barbel Bas's straight-forward approach in politics. Despite the challenges that may come her way, due to the rough treatment faced by her predecessors, Barbel Bas's Non-Traditional career journey in the SPD, without a high school diploma or university degree, has shown up in the general-news, garnering praise from FDP veteran Kubicki.
