Tearing Down the Gap: Bas Calls for Solidarity-Based Society - Slams Party's Handling of Esken
Individual leans on a communal society structure, condemns Esken's management strategy. - Societal Unity Called for by Bas; Esken's Treatment Criticized
In a blunt, straightforward conversation, Federal Minister of Labour Bärbel Bas lays out her vision for a society rooted in solidarity, focusing on a life of freedom and self-determination for all, regardless of origin or gender. She swiftly dismisses the idea of the term "social state" being twisted into a derogatory phrase and labels the practice of blaming hardworking Germans as lazy as nothing short of a disgraceful ploy.
"The ticking time bomb is the widening chasm between the upper crust and the working class," Bas passionately declares. Proposing a solution, she insists, "We need to tackle this issue, make it our mission." Economically, she emphasizes the critical importance of preserving industrial jobs in Germany. To accomplish this goal, she implores, "We need a national steel summit and a robust industrial policy." She also champions the recent Minimum Wage Commission ruling to raise the minimum wage in two stages to 14.60 euros.
Regarding Saskia Esken, Bas acknowledges Esken's guidance as they navigated troubled waters, "You've steered the party through stormy seas." A monumental achievement during this time, she explains, was winning the 2021 Bundestag election. As she speaks, her gaze locks onto Esken, "One of the masters of this success, without a doubt, is you."
However, Bas does not shy away from voicing criticism towards her party's handling of Esken. "I've experienced firsthand that solidarity isn't always a given," she admits, demanding, "We need to do better." The SPD, which has had two female leaders in Esken and Andrea Nahles, has failed to serve as a beacon of gender equality, according to Bas. "Women must seize leadership roles - in the economy, in government, and, of course, in the SPD," she declares. "We can't accept the underrepresentation of women - in the upper echelons of politics, business, and society."
- Bärbel Bas
- Saskia Esken
- Berlin
- SPD
- Women Empowerment
- GermanyBärbel Bas, the new leader of the SPD party, earned an impressive 95 percent vote of confidence at the party congress in June 2025, assuming control from her predecessor co-leader [2]. Bas stands firmly within the center-left social democratic platform of the SPD and champions progressive policies that foster economic growth, public sector reforms, and social inclusion [3][4].
Her criticism regarding the party's handling of Saskia Esken remains unclear, with no specific details available regarding any internal conflicts or criticisms. Saskia Esken, too, has a significant presence within the SPD party. However, the current data lacks insight into any potential disagreements or Bas's critique of Esken.
The Commission is asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, as part of the general news and policy-and-legislation discourse in Germany's political landscape. Meanwhile, Bärbel Bas, the leader of SPD, demands a solid focus on industrial policy and national steel summit to preserve jobs in Germany, emphasizing the need for gender equality and empowerment of women in Berlin's political, economic, and social spheres.
