Following the Swastika Controversy, SPD Leader Faces Calls for Resignation - SPD leader concedes ground following Hakenkreuz controversy: Steps back
Daniel Born Leaves SPD Parliamentary Group Amid Swastika Scandal
Daniel Born, a prominent member of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) in Baden-Württemberg, has resigned from his party offices and left the SPD parliamentary group following a scandal involving the drawing of a swastika on a ballot next to the name of an AfD candidate.
The incident, which Born admitted to on July 25, 2025, led to his resignation from the SPD parliamentary group but he chose to keep his seat in the Baden-Württemberg state parliament. His parliamentary profile now lists him as "fraktionslos" (non-affiliated).
On July 28, 2025, Born stepped down from all his SPD party functions, including roles in the SPD state presidium, state board, and as district chairman in Rhein-Neckar, in an attempt to isolate the burden of the scandal from the party and allow it to remain strong.
Andreas Stoch, the faction leader of the Social Democrats in the state parliament, has demanded Born's complete withdrawal, including resignation. Despite this, Born has expressed his desire to keep his seat until the end of the legislative period.
Stoch, however, believes there is a way back for Born after his mistake in the Swastika scandal. He considers the incident a human error and believes that when it comes to human errors, one should not say that a mistake can never be forgiven.
The SPD presidium in the state has also demanded Born's complete withdrawal, and their demand still stands. Stoch and Born have been in talks following the scandal, with the conversation taking place in Heidelberg.
Born has described his action as a "momentary lapse in judgment" and a "serious mistake." He has expressed regret for his mistake, stating he cannot forgive himself. The SPD has been weakened by the resignation of Born, but Stoch still considers him a committed democrat and an experienced politician.
The Swastika scandal continues to be a topic of discussion, with Stoch's comments on the matter made to the "Rhein-Neckar-Zeitung" on Saturday. Born had admitted to having noted a Swastika behind the name of an AfD member during a secret vote.
Despite resigning from his SPD party posts and withdrawing his candidacy for the state parliament, Born does not have a direct mandate. He came into the state parliament for, with, and through the SPD. His future in the state parliament remains uncertain, as he wants to keep his seat until the end of the legislative period.
The Commission might be asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, as the politics surrounding policy-and-legislation continue to unfold amidst the general news of Daniel Born's resignation from the SPD parliamentary group due to a Swastika scandal.
The Swastika scandal involving Daniel Born has created a divide within the SPD, with the SPD presidium demanding his complete withdrawal, while faction leader Andreas Stoch considers there might be a way back for him, regarding his mistake as a human error rather than a permanent mark.
