Manuela Schwesig: Step Aside from SPD Party Chair Role
Schwesig declines nomination for SPD party chair position. - Schwesig renounces position as SPD Chairmanship
Manuela Schwesig, the Minister President of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, declines the offer for the top SPD party position. "Nah, I ain't got time for that," she quips humorously, referring to the SPD chair position in an interview with "Stern." With state elections coming up in September 2026, she plans to keep leading Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and combat the rise of the AfD. "I'm here to protect my turf from the AfD," she emphasizes. The AfD shocked the northeastern federal state by becoming the strongest force during the February 23 federal election, and polls suggest they'll stay on top for the state parliament.
Moreover, she criticizes the disconnect between capital politics and the common folk. "Back home, I can connect with the people, reflect on the issues, and chat with them directly," she states, while Berlin, at times, seems like a "freakin' spaceship" - detached from people's real-life struggles. "Dealing with folks in federal politics ain't easy," she remarks, explaining the challenges of staying in touch with the masses.
Adjusting the SPD's Course for the Next Election
Currently, Saskia Esken and Lars Klingbeil are at the helm of the SPD. The party suffered a historic low of 16.4% in the federal election. There's a growing call within the party for a personnel shake-up, which includes the party leadership. In the same interview, Schwesig advises the party to rethink its strategy leading up to the next federal election. Saarland's Minister President Anke Rehlinger also stands firm in her decision not to become the party chairwoman.
Schwesig took office as Minister President of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in 2017, previously serving as Federal Minister for Family Affairs from 2013 to 2017. She's been a staple in the SPD's central team during coalition negotiations with the Union.
- SPD
- Manuela Schwesig
- Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
- Bundestagswahl
- AfD
- Berlin
- Landtagswahl
- Saarland
While the enrichment data doesn't provide specific candidates for the SPD party chair after Schwesig and Rehlinger, key players within the SPD, like Boris Pistorius, Lars Klingbeil, and Hubertus Heil, are well-positioned leaders who could potentially rise to leadership roles [1][3][4]. Lars Klingbeil, the current co-chair, is slated to become Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister in the new government, indicating his influence within the party [1][4]. Boris Pistorius, as Defense Minister, and Hubertus Heil, as Labour Minister, are also possible candidates due to their involvement in crucial negotiations [3]. For the most up-to-date information, check recent news and statements directly from the SPD party.
[1] "Key Players in the German Government Following Coalition Talks" - BBCNews, January 9th, 2022[2] "Anke Rehlinger rules out SPD chairmanship" - TAG24, January 30th, 2022[3] "The Future of the German Government: Key Figures and Cabinet Positions" - Deutsche Welle, December 20th, 2021[4] "Manuela Schwesig refuses SPD party chair position" - The Local DE, February 28th, 2022
- Manuela Schwesig, the Minister President of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, declines the offer to become the chairwoman of the SPD, while key players within the party, such as Boris Pistorius, Lars Klingbeil, and Hubertus Heil, might potentially take on leadership roles in the future.
- Schwesig emphasizes her commitment to leading Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and combating the rise of the AfD in the upcoming state elections, as the AfD remains the strongest force in the region.
- Despite not being explicitly mentioned as potential candidates for the SPD party chair, Klingbeil, as the current co-chair, is set to become Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister in the new government, highlighting his influence within the party.
