Trouble Brewing for SPD's New Chairwoman Bärbel Bas as She Steps into Shoes of Predecessors Plagued by Controversy
Newly appointed SPD leader Bas is finding himself in a predicament.
From Stern
Bärbel Bas, set to be the SPD's third female chairperson, reflects on the unfortunate treatment her predecessor, Saskia Esken, faced and expresses concerns about potential challenges coming her way. FDP veteran, Kubicki, offers his backing to the incoming leader.
Criticizing the rough handling her predecessor received, Bärbel Bas, 57, shared her concerns about the possibility of similar treatment. "Some people's actions towards her don't sit right with me, and I fear the same could happen to me," she confided in Stern. Expecting the worst but hoping for the best, Bas stated that she prefers to face potential obstacles head-on.
Known for her bluntness, Bas declined a rematch against Esken for the chairmanship. "No, I wouldn't do that." She acknowledges the damage personal conflict can inflict and believes it's unwise to engage in such battles.
Pioneering a New Generation of Leaders
Bas's unconventional climb to political power makes headlines due to her professional and political achievements despite lacking a high school diploma or university degree. She remains undisturbed by the accolades and views her success as an indicator of her party's progress. "We've always sought to see workers' children graduate from high school and attend university. If they've achieved that, what's the fuss?" she mused.
Wolfgang Kubicki, former Bundestag Vice President, has shown his support for the future chairwoman. "If more SPD members were like Bärbel Bas, the party would be rescued," Kubicki declared to Stern. Recognizing her dependability, straightforwardness, and down-to-earth demeanor, he added that they cooperated well despite their opposing views. "Cross me if you dare, and you'll have to answer to me," Kubicki warned on behalf of his fellow party member.
Bas is set to be officially elected as the new chairperson on Friday.
[1] Sources reveal that Saskia Esken's resignation from the SPD chair was due to internal party issues and challenges that necessitated a change in leadership to stabilize the party amid significant shifts and challenges leading up to the 2025 German federal election.
- Bärbel Bas- Saskia Esken- Wolfgang Kubicki- SPD*
"In light of the challenges faced by her predecessor Saskia Esken, Bärbel Bas, the incoming SPD chair, expresses concerns about potential political controversy, as indicated by her statement, 'Some people's actions towards her don't sit right with me, and I fear the same could happen to me,' when speaking to Stern."
"Pioneering a new generation of leaders within the SPD, Bärbel Bas, despite lacking a high school diploma or university degree, has proven her political and professional capabilities, garnering the support of Wolfgang Kubicki, former Bundestag Vice President, who states, 'If more SPD members were like Bärbel Bas, the party would be rescued,' reflecting the doubts about the future of the party and the hope that Bas's leadership can help stabilize the situation ahead of the 2025 German federal election."
