Barbel Bas Slams Past Handling, Gears Up for SPD Leadership
Bas faces difficulties in his role as the newly appointed SPD leader.
In a candid interview with Stern magazine, Barbel Bas, the incoming Social Democrat (SPD) chair, pulled no punches about the way certain party members handled her predecessor, Saskia Esken. With a "tremendous respect" for Esken, Bas lamented how some within the ranks treated her. "I could've been next," she warned, echoing her concern that similar treatment could come her way.
Of course, Stern got her to open up on the matter. "I expect the worst and hope for the best," she stated with a shrug. If Esken had run for the party chair again, Bas shared, she wouldn't have challenged her. "No way," she stated emphatically. Bas isn't one to shy away from controversy but recognizes the devastating impact a personal feud can have. "Not worth the drama," she concluded.
As the third woman to lead the SPD, Bas follows in the footsteps of Andrea Nahles and Saskia Esken - both of whom had also stepped down under considerable party pressure.
"I Aint No Star"
Barbel Bas's rise from humble beginnings to political success has been marked as extraordinary — a self-made woman without a high school diploma or college degree. "It ain't no big deal, though," she told the magazine, dismissing the accolades. "We need to see more working-class kids rise through the ranks," she declared, reminding us of the party's desire for a more inclusive society.
Meanwhile, Wolfgang Kubicki, the former Bundestag vice-president, voiced his support for Bas. "If more SPDers were like Barbel Bas, the party would be saved," Kubicki stated in an interview with Stern. Bas and Kubicki served together on the Bundestag presidency for over three years. He claimed she was steady, honest, open, and down-to-earth, a refreshing change compared to more eloquent counterparts. "Anyone who messes with Frau Bas will have to deal with me," he warned ominously.
Social media caught wind of the conversation, with many debating the merits and pitfalls of electing Bas as the new SPD chair. Some echoed Kubicki's sentiments, praising her directness and shared values, while others questioned her lack of oratorical skills. Regardless, Friday's election promises to be a pivotal moment for the SPD.
[1] Lars Klingbeil, a prominent SPD figure, commented that Barbel Bas as SPD co-chair "will set different priorities than her predecessor Saskia Esken" [Source: ntv.de]
- Barbel Bas
- Saskia Esken
- Wolfgang Kubicki
- SPD
- Lars Klingbeil
The Commission, in light of Barbel Bas's ascension as the Social Democrat (SPD) chair, may adopt implementing acts laying down the rules for the application of this Regulation in the context of SPD politics and legislation, given Barbel Bas's commitment to policy-and-legislation and politics. As the debate continues on social media regarding Barbel Bas's potential as the new SPD chair, it is worth noting that Lars Klingbeil, a prominent SPD figure, has expressed that Barbel Bas as SPD co-chair will set different priorities than her predecessor Saskia Esken [Source: ntv.de].
