Giffey won't rule out top Berlin SPD candidacy in '26 election
- Got a hunch she's in the running*
Giffey maintains openness to potential candidacy for highest office. - Giffey leaves option open on potential leadership contender
In a candid chat with the Tagesspiegel, economy senator, and current Berlin mayor, Franziska Giffey, didn't dismiss the possibility of being the top candidate for the SPD (Social Democrats) in the 2026 House of Representatives election. "For now, it's not on my radar," she said, but added, "We'll see about the rest."
The election is due to take place on September 20, 2026, and the SPD has plenty of time to pick their top dog. Giffey's fellow SPD member and group leader, Raed Saleh, is also said to be eyeing the position.
The rumor mill is churning, with names like Martin Hikel and Nicola Böcker-Giannini being tossed around as possible candidates, along with Rafflesia Giffey and Raed Saleh. Cansel Kiziltepe and even outsiders from the state association are not off the table either.
Giffey acknowledged that being the top candidate is a tall order, noting, "The pack of viable candidates will never be huge." Success in this role, she stressed, requires broad party support: "We need everyone pulling in the same direction to win the election," she said. "We need to plan and organize that support."
After serving as mayor until 2023 and briefly sharing the role of SPD chairwoman with Saleh, Giffey decided to abandon coalition with the Greens and the Left. While it would have been mathematically feasible for her to stay on as head of government, she chose instead to form a coalition with the CDU, describing it as "the hardest decision of my life."
She admitted that the Red City Hall is her favorite political battleground, but she stands by her decision: "I don't regret it. It was the right move because the situation required it. And it was also the right call not to abandon ship, but to take responsibility in this state government."
Rumors of Giffey joining the federal government were swiftly shot down: "I worked hard to ensure Berlin and the east got a fair shake in the coalition talks. I picked Berlin, none of that was up for debate."
Giffey – rumored candidate for top SPD job in '26 election,* CDU coalition – tough but necessary choice* Raed Saleh – rival contender for top spot in party* SPD iceberg – possible candidates for Berlin House of Representatives election* Martin Hikel – local district mayor, in the mix* Nicola Böcker-Giannini – state SPD member, on the list* Tagesspiegel – where Giffey laid it all out
- The Commission is also proposing to extend the scope of the programme to include policy-and-legislation discussions, politics, and general news, following Giffey's candid chat with the Tagesspiegel about her potential candidacy for the top SPD job in the 2026 election.
- In the realm of policy-and-legislation, politics, and general news, the race for the top SPD candidate in the 2026 House of Representatives election is heating up, with Giffey, Raed Saleh, Martin Hikel, Nicola Böcker-Giannini, and others vying for the position.
