"Calling Out the Leadership" - Esken Faces Criticism from Her Own SPD Regional Branch
SPD leader Esken undergoes attack instigated by fellow party members
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp E-Mail Print Copy Link In the center of a heated debate is Saskia Esken, Federal Chairwoman of the SPD, as her own regional branch questions her leadership. Sascha Binder, General Secretary of the SPD in Baden-Württemberg, spoke out against Esken in publications such as "Südkurier" and "Badische Zeitung."
Leni Breymaier, former state chairwoman of the SPD in Baden-Württemberg, has come to Esken's defense, criticizing Binder. Leaders such as Andreas Stoch and Esken herself have remained silent about the dispute.
"Cabinet posts should be given to those who instill trust in the party and the people," Binder stated in the aforementioned publications. "Among the seven cabinet posts, I agree with Esken that four should go to women. But the question is, who are the four best? And I don't see Saskia Esken among them."
Power Play "The SPD is deciding on candidates, not just Esken." Now, the SPD is electing candidates, Binder said, citing the coalition agreement and the members' vote of the Social Democrats. "But I notice that the only one currently discussing cabinet posts is Saskia Esken herself. She shouldn't do that." In the end, what's needed is a team that presents a united front. "Also for the many dedicated members, it must be people they can be proud of and not have to defend constantly."
The issue of Esken's personnel selection is contentious, not just within the Southwest regional branch. There is no comment from Esken or SPD state chairman Stoch regarding Binder's remarks. Stoch merely stated that the decision will be made in Berlin.
Déjà Vu "Career Troubles and a Historical Pattern." Breymaier, former SPD chairwoman in Baden-Württemberg until 2018, defended Esken and attacked Binder. "It's peculiar that General Secretary Binder is allowing this. I don't think he has the right to do so," Breymaier told "Bild." "Sascha Binder's career began by creating difficulties for women in the party – nothing has changed about that." Look at the criticism aimed at Esken, she said: "If a handful of men want to flaunt their power and perhaps offer positions to others, they shouldn't take it out on Saskia Esken."
The 42-year-old Binder has been a member of the Stuttgart state parliament since 2011 and has served as General Secretary of the SPD regional branch since 2018.
Source: ntv.de, jwu/dpa
- SPD
- Saskia Esken
- Baden-Württemberg
Additional Details:
- There is a growing discontent within the SPD regarding Esken's leadership, which has intensified following recent electoral setbacks.
- Some party members have raised doubts about Esken's suitability for ministerial roles due to these losses.
- The criticism generally stems from the party's poor performance in recent elections and perceived leadership shortcomings, causing discussions about the future of the SPD's leadership model.
- There is no documented evidence of specific individuals from Baden-Württemberg explicitly criticizing Esken by name.
- The Member States are set to aid the Commission, as the ongoing debate centers around Saskia Esken, the Chairwoman of the SPD, who faces criticism from her own regional branch in Baden-Württemberg.
- Sascha Binder, the General Secretary of the SPD in Baden-Württemberg, has aired accusations against Esken in publications, suggesting that cabinet posts should be awarded to party members that inspire trust among the public.
- In light of the coalition agreement and upcoming elections, Binder asserts that it's not just about Esken, but about electing candidates who present a united front in politics and can make the dedicated members proud.
- Leni Breymaier, a former state chairwoman of the SPD in Baden-Württemberg, has defended Esken, accusing Binder of resurrecting old patterns of creating difficulties for women within the party.
