Bas Mulling Over a Run for SPD Leadership as Schwesig Focuses on Saving Mecklenburg-Vorpommern from AfD
- Sisters decline SPD leadership roles
In casual conversations with RTL and n-tv, former Bundestag President Bárbara Bas expressed that she's considering a bid for the Social Democratic Party (SPD) leadership. Officially, she's yet to make up her mind, stating, "I'm mulling over my options for the future. It's not final yet." Quick decisions on her next steps will be made in the coming days, and she promises to keep those in the know informed. "So, for now, it's still open," she added.
The 56-year-old former Bundestag President has her eyes on several potential positions - the SPD leadership, the Bundestag faction leadership, and even a cabinet slot.
Meanwhile, Manuela Schwesig, Prime Minister of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, has made it clear that her priority lies with her current role and the upcoming state election in September 2026. She aims to put a stop to the AfD in her state, as they emerged as the strongest force in the north-eastern federal state following the Bundestag election on February 23. Currently, the AfD leads in surveys regarding the state parliament as well.
The SPD party leadership election will take place in June. Currently, Saskia Esken and Lars Klingbeil are at the helm of the party, and they've faced criticism since the SPD's poor performance in the national election, with 16.4 percent. Klingbeil announced a party renewal and generational change after the disappointing results. A new SPD leadership will be voted on at a party conference in June.
Neither Esken nor Klingbeil has confirmed whether they plan to seek re-election. Klingbeil, who secured the Bundestag faction leadership and the party chairmanship after the lost election, is rumored to be eyeing a cabinet position.
Saarland's Minister President, Anke Rehlinger, formerly considered a promising contender for the SPD party chairmanship, has clarified her intentions: "I won't do it," she emphasized during a ZDF show in late March. She feels that the challenges the SPD faces at present can't be addressed effectively from Saarbrücken.
As for the leadership roles in the upcoming government, Lars Klingbeil is expected to become the Finance Minister, with Boris Pistorius continuing as the Defence Minister [1][2]. The party is focusing on ratifying the coalition agreement and supporting its members in key governmental positions, rather than shuffling the leadership deck immediately.
- In light of the SPD party leadership election in June, Bas might face a unique opportunity to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, as both Saskia Esken and Lars Klingbeil have not confirmed whether they plan to seek re-election.
- Despite the possibility of renewal for the chairman position, Saarland's Minister President Anke Rehlinger decided against running for the SPD party chairmanship, stating that she believes the current challenges facing the party can't be effectively addressed from Saarbrücken.
- As various leadership positions within the SPD and government are up for grabs, particularly with Mayra Bökel having ended her tenure as Federal Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, the Commission could capitalize on this by proposing a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation.
