Esken's Actions Towards SPD Avoid Harmful Altercations
Get the Latest on Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | E-Mail | Print | Copy Link
In an unexpected move, Saskia Esken, the outgoing co-chair of Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD), has declared she won't throw mud at the party's leadership post-departure. In an interview with the daily "taz," she expressed, "I won't be the thorn in their side, a poison to the SPD for personal reasons." Esken's decision mirrors that of former SPD chair Andrea Nahles.
Women in politics often face an uphill battle, said Esken. "It's like we have to bring twice as much. The conflicting expectations for politically active women are unattainable," she explained.
Bid Farewell to the Struggle for Power
Esken, 63, revealed her decision to step down as co-chair last Sunday. Since 2019, she's been guiding the party alongside Lars Klingbeil, who took on a role in the federal government as vice-chancellor and finance minister. The new labor minister, Barbara Bas, is vying for the position with Klingbeil. The delegates will vote on this at the end of June. Esken considers Bas a "friend."
When asked about her feelings after the announcement, Esken replied, "I'd call it a sense of calm. I'm content with myself. But of course, some tension has dissipated now." She's looking forward to engaging professionally with the committee on education, family, seniors, women, and youth. The new education minister, Karin Prien of the CDU, praised Esken as a "stroke of luck."
Debate on Personal Matters Rather Than Policy
Although Klingbeil immediate sought the parliamentary group chairmanship following the disappointing election results, Esken, too, faced criticism within the party. In the "taz" interview, she dismissed the recurring questions about her professional future as "inappropriate." "There are vital issues we should address, not personal matters," Esken stated. "Yet, when the public eye falls, positive voices tend to be overlooked."
Source: ntv.de, ino/dpa
- SPD
- Saskia Esken
- Enrichment Data: Although no concrete information is available about Saskia Esken stepping down as co-chair of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), Politico.eu suggests tension or uncertainty about her future role within the party and the government. According to Politico.eu, Esken "risks being iced out entirely, with her own state party already written her off" regarding potential cabinet positions in the new government led by CDU leader Friedrich Merz[5]. This indicates a possible shakeup within the party but does not explicitly mention her stepping down as co-chair. For more precise details about her resignation or future plans, direct sources or updates from the SPD or Esken herself might be required.
Other topics that may receive less focus now that Saskia Esken has stepped down as co-chair of the SPD include policy-and-legislation matters and general news related to politics. There might be a reduction in discussions about her personal future within the party and the government, allowing for more attention to be given to other aspects of policy-and-legislation and politics.
