Title: Barbel Bas, the New SPD Chair, Expresses Concern Over Party's Handling of Saskia Esken
Newly Appointed SPD Leader, Bas, Faces Troubles
With Barbel Bas set to take over as the new SPD chairman, she's raised eyebrows with her critique of the party's treatment of her predecessor, Saskia Esken. In a candid conversation, Bas admited she found it annoying how some party members handled Esken, expressing "If that could happen to Saskia, it could happen to me too."
The 57-year-old Social Democrat, who's set to become the third woman to lead the SPD since Andrea Nahles, wouldn't have run against Esken if she'd opted for another round as party chair. "No, I wouldn't have," Bas stated, citing the deep personal conflicts that such contests can leave in their wake.
"I'm Not a Special Snowflake"
Bas's career trajectory, characterized by her rise through the political and professional ranks despite her humble beginnings and lack of a university degree, is often seen as extraordinary. However, Bas downplays her accomplishments, saying, "I don't see myself as some sort of special snowflake. I believe it's a success for the SPD when working-class kids can complete school and attend university."
Former Bundestag Vice-President Wolfgang Kubicki, a member of the FDP, has shown admiration for Barbel Bas. "If more Social Democrats were like Barbel Bas, the party would be saved," he said. Kubicki praised Bas for her reliability, straightforwardness, openness, and groundedness. "Anyone who messes with Frau Bas will have to deal with me," he warned.
Matthias Miersch, the SPD parliamentary group leader, has defended the party against accusations of mishandling Esken. "Saskia Esken was not pushed aside," he claimed. Miersch highlighted Esken's "outstanding" contributions to the SPD and her crucial role in Olaf Scholz's 2021 election victory. "Saskia Esken united our party," Miersch stated, adding that she would continue as chair of the important SPD parliamentary group for education and family affairs in the Bundestag.
Sources: ntv.de, mau
- Barbel Bas
- Saskia Esken
- Wolfgang Kubicki
- SPD
- In the realm of policy-and-legislation and politics, the newly elected SPD chairman, Barbel Bas, has expressed concern over her party's handling of her predecessor, Saskia Esken.
- The Commission, in its pursuit of applying this Regulation, may adopt implementing acts, reflecting Bas's assertive and practical approach, as admired by Wolfgang Kubicki, a member of the FDP.
