SPD leader Esken excluded from the government

Controversial discussions surrounding SPD leader Saskia Esken's future duties have persisted for weeks. However, a conclusive decision has been made – she will not hold a ministerial position.

, and ASMedia

2025 September 1 . 4:07 AM

2 min read

SPD leader Esken excluded from government council

SPD leader Esken excluded from the government

Saskia Esken Steps Away from Federal Executive Role Amid Internal Party Debate

After leading the Social Democratic Party (SPD) in a dual leadership since 2019, Saskia Esken has decided not to join the federal executive this year. This decision follows a series of internal debates within the party, particularly surrounding her potential role as Minister for Development.

In the 2021 Bundestag election, Esken received 16.83% of the votes, but still lost her constituency to the CDU politician Klaus Mack. This defeat was preceded by another in the February election, where she received only 12.9% of the first votes. These electoral setbacks have raised questions about Esken's future within the party, both at the federal and state levels.

State general secretary Sascha Binder criticized Esken in an interview, stating that cabinet posts should go to those with party and public trust. He did not consider Esken among the four best, a comment that sparked a heated response from former SPD state chairwoman Leni Breymaier. Breymaier defended Esken and attacked Binder for his criticism, alleging that his career has been marked by making life difficult for women in the party.

Despite the internal criticism, Esken has remained a prominent figure in SPD leadership throughout the legislative period leading up to and including the 2025 federal election. She participated in important coalition negotiations with the CDU/CSU in 2025 and presented the coalition agreement alongside Klingbeil and CDU leaders such as Friedrich Merz.

However, Esken's future in her home state association has been a topic of debate. It is unclear whether she will leave the post carousel after the disastrous Bundestag election for her party empty-handed. Katja Mast and Isabel Cademartori were proposed as possible members of the federal executive instead of Esken.

The SPD published a personnel table that indicates Esken's decision not to join the federal government. Despite this, Esken's role as a leading co-chair involved in major party decisions and coalition talks remains significant, surviving internal criticism and maintaining key leadership responsibilities.