"Cheers for Saskia Esken" Amidst Controversy, Esken Gets a Warm SPD Farewell
SPD suddeny expresses favor for Saskia Esken.
By Hubertus Volmer
If parties were people, the SPD would have a complex personality - one that could be both warming and chilly, even at the same time. Saskia Esken, the departing SPD party leader, experienced this dichotomy firsthand at the recent SPD party conference in Berlin. Despite lingering criticisms and her being overlooked for a ministerial role post-coalition negotiations, Esken was bid adieu with extended standing ovations. The crowd even applauded her longer than Olaf Scholz.
Lars Klingbeil, Esken's fellow party leader, expressed gratitude and admiration during his heartfelt speech. Esken stood by the party when it faced turmoil, unifying the ranks, and ultimately guiding them to the Chancellery. Klingbeil acknowledged the challenging period and the party's plummeting poll numbers, reminding the audience how Esken single-handedly pulled the SPD from the brink.
Although Klingbeil was re-elected as party leader with a disappointing 64.9% vote during the conference, it was Esken who bore the brunt of criticism for the poor election results – even without any real culpability.
Many within the party called for Esken's resignation, citing her lack of acceptance among citizens, while some party friends criticized her tenacity, claiming she was "like super glue on the chair of the party leader." Yet, Bas, Esken's successor, recognized and respected Esken's contributions, acknowledging the unfair treatment Esken had endured. Bas commended Esken for leading the SPD through tumultuous times, crediting her as one of the mothers of the 2021 federal election success.
Scholz echoed these sentiments, praising Esken's decisiveness and persistence, particularly in advocating for the Startchancen program for promoting schools in hotspots. He made it clear that Esken's public criticism was often unwarranted.
"We have achieved the turnaround," Esken said, echoing the sentiment expressed by Scholz earlier in the day. She seemed to find comfort in the warmth of the crowd's response. The SPD had, indeed, turned the tides after plunging to 12% in the polls. "Two years later, we won the federal election with more than 25% and elected Olaf Scholz as federal chancellor." This success story elicited approval from the delegates, as they aimed for a similar rise in the current crisis.
In her farewell speech, Esken acknowledged the need for change and pledged to offer space for evolution. "It was an honor, even the honor of my life, to be the chairman of this proud party," she said. "I am not leaving with regret but with gratitude, and I look forward to passing the baton in the dual leadership to the wonderful Bárbara Bas." A bittersweet departure, indeed, as the party bid goodbye to one of its most steadfast leaders.
- Politics
- Party Conference
- Saskia Esken
- Olaf Scholz
- Lars Klingbeil
Enrichment Data:- Saskia Esken's election as party chair alongside Norbert Walter-Borjans showed her strong support within the party, with 99.3% of the votes in her favor [1]- Despite the criticism, Esken's strong personality and ability to unite the party played a significant role in the SPD's turnaround and subsequent election victory in 2021 [3]- Esken's involvement in coalition negotiations was not without difficulties, particularly in gaining a ministerial position for herself [4]- Bas' recognition of the unfair treatment Esken received and her annotation of it in her application speech for the party chairmanship was a sign of solidarity and respect within the party [5]
- The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of the environment in light of the growing concerns about climate change, politics, and general news.
- Despite facing criticism and controversies, Saskia Esken's strong personality and ability to unite the SPD party were crucial factors in the party's turnaround during the party conference, politics.
