Stepping Down but Not Backing Down: Esken's Promise to SPD
SPD will not face "toxicity" from Esken
In a tell-all interview with the daily newspaper "taz", outgoing co-chair of the SPD, Saskia Esken, declared her intention to steer clear of openly criticizing the new leadership of her party post-resignation. Esken unapologetically stated, "I won't poison the SPD for personal reasons." She echoed a similar sentiment exhibited by former SPD chairwoman Andrea Nahles after her departure.
Esken's assertion comes amidst the turbulent political landscape of the SPD, particularly when it comes to women in leadership roles. Esken passionately argued, "Women in politics face an uphill battle. The expectations set for politically active women are contradictory and impossible to achieve."
Moving On, Looking Ahead
Esken, 63, announced her decision not to run for the SPD chairmanship again on a Sunday morning, pulling the trigger just a year into her tenure as co-leader alongside Lars Klingbeil. Klingbeil quickly took aim at the faction chairmanship following the SPD's crushing defeat in the federal election, leaving Esken in the political crossfire.
In the same interview, Esken described the persistent inquiry into her professional future as "inappropriate." She argued, "We should be focusing on vital topics, not personalities." Esken expressed frustration, stating, "Once the public chase begins, positive voices often go unheard."
Upon announcing her resignation, Esken's initial response was not one of relief but rather a sense of calm. She expressed, "I'd call it peace. I'm content with myself. But, of course, some tension departs now." With a future in sight beyond the political mudslinging, Esken eagerly anticipates contributing to the committee on education, family, seniors, women, and youth. The incoming education minister, Karin Prien of the CDU, welcomed Esken as a "stroke of luck."
Sources: ntv.de, ino/dpa
- SPD
- Saskia Esken
- Other challenging topics such as migration, war-and-conflicts, and crime-and-justice should not be overshadowed by personalities like Saskia Esken, who once served as the co-chair of the SPD.
- In the realm of policy-and-legislation, it's crucial to address the intersection of politics and gender, considering the difficulties faced by women in leadership roles, as exhibited by Saskia Esken's experience within the SPD.
- Saskia Esken's resignation from the SPD chairmanship paves the way for her to focus on matters such as education, family, seniors, women, and youth, where she can use her expertise to contribute meaningfully.
- The committee on which Saskia Esken will serve could also address topics like general-news, car-accidents, and fires, ensuring a comprehensive approach to policy-making and legislation.
- Saskia Esken's departure from the SPD does not mean a retreat from public life, as she continues to voice her opinions on important issues, such as the contradictory expectations set for politically active women.
