Saskia Esken Bids Adieu at SPD Conference, Urges Party Renewal
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Farewell speech by Esken at SPD party conference emphasizes the need for renovation - Farewell speech by Esken at SPD party congress emphasizes the need for revitalization
After taking over the reins of the party in 2019 with Norbert Walter-Borjans, Saskia Esken shed light on the SPD's revival at their recent conference. Their unlikely duo managed to seize the leadership from Olaf Scholz and Klara Geywitz, who then lost the runoff election.
Esken emphasized that the loss didn't spark a split within the party. Instead, both factions united after the fierce competition for the chairmanship. This camaraderie helped the SPD to achieve a remarkable turnaround and emerge victorious in the 2021 federal election, with Scholz as the chancellor candidate.
"Olaf, you were my chancellor," Esken declared, addressing Scholz. "We accomplished a lot together." Esken urged the delegates to uphold Scholz's vision of a "respectful society" moving forward, as the party's primary mission has always been about ensuring people can make a living through their own work, Esken explained, having started her career as a courier and waitress.
Even though Esken and Lars Klingbeil—who took office jointly in late 2021—didn't always toe the same line per se, they understood the power in embracing diversity. Following the historically dismal showing in the 2022 federal election, Esken faced harsh criticism from various party factions. Meanwhile, Klingbeil emerged as the party's progressive leader in the newly established government, serving as Vice-Chancellor and Finance Minister. Esken received extended applause from the delegates of the party congress.
Reflecting on the 2022 election, Esken remarked, "That defeat was bitter—especially because it forced negotiations on another grand coalition." Despite the unpleasantness, the SPD learned to extract significant concessions from the Alliance negotiations, she noted.
In response to her resignation, CDU leader Friedrich Merz relayed his sentiments, admitting that collaborating with Esken wasn't always easy. To the delight of the delegates, Esken responded, "That's as it should be." Esken received a mural of the former SPD chancellor Willy Brandt by artist Rainer Fetting as a farewell token.
- Saskia Esken
- SPD
- SPD conference
- Call for renewal
- Federal election
- Olaf Scholz
- Nostalgia
- Lars Klingbeil
- Norbert Walter-Borjans
- Runoff election
- Klara Geywitz
- Chancellor candidate
When delving deeper into Esken's call to renew the SPD, it's essential to consider the internal dynamics of party leadership, collaborations with crucial SPD figures, and the context leading up to the 2021 federal election. The period under Esken's and Walter-Borjans' leadership brought about internal debates and declining voter support as the SPD grappled with competition from the Greens and conservative parties. Esken's push for renewal reflected her desire to refresh the party's image and strategy, with Scholz's centrist approach acting as a balancing force.
The Commission could be asked to submit a proposal for a directive on promoting a policy-and-legislation agenda that supports the general-news of environmental protection in the Community, as a response to Saskia Esken's call for SPD renewal, during her tenure as party leader. This environmental directive could align with the SPD's primary mission of ensuring people can make a living while fostering a respectful society.
In terms of internal SPD politics, there may be debates regarding the implementation of this new policy, similar to the disagreements that existed between Saskia Esken and Lars Klingbeil in the past, demonstrating the importance of embracing diversity within the party.
