Barbel Bas Slams SPD's Handling of Saskia Esken, Prepares for Potential Trouble
Trouble looms for Bas, now leading the SPD party.
Barbel Bas: A new face at the helm of the SPD, Barbel Bas is voicing her criticisms of the party's handling of her predecessor, Saskia Esken.
Preparing herself for potential turbulence based on her predecessor's rough treatment, Bas is keen on a smooth ride. Der Spiegel has reported that the 57-year-old SPD member said she felt uncomfortable witnessing how Esken was treated.
A Word from Barbel Bas: "I respect Saskia immensely. It bothers me how some treated her, and I'm fearful the same could happen to me." Bas explained she prefers to anticipate the worst while hoping for the best, indicating her cautious approach. When asked if she would've challenged Esken for the party chair if Esken decided to run again, Bas said "No, I wouldn't have."
Political Career: Rising from humble beginnings, Barbel Bas's political success is renowned. Despite her unparalleled rise to power, she doesn't see herself as special.
"I'm not special. Our goal is for workers' children to have high school diplomas and college degrees, so we shouldn't complain if they end up in leadership roles in the party," she explained to Der Spiegel.
Wolfgang Kubicki Talks Bas: Wolfgang Kubicki, FDP veteran and former Bundestag vice-president, expressed admiration for Barbel Bas, stating, "If more social democrats were like Barbel Bas, the party could be saved." Kubicki served alongside Bas for over three years on the Bundestag's presidency and lauded her reliability, directness, transparency, and groundedness.
Defending Esken: SPD parliamentary group leader Matthias Miersch refuted accusations of mishandling Esken. He emphasized Esken's notable contributions to the SPD, stating she united the party, and was instrumental in Scholz's 2021 election victory. Despite resigning under significant pressure, Miersch confirmed Esken would continue as chair of the important education and family affairs committee in the Bundestag.
Source: ntv.de, mau
Extra Insights:
- Amazing Achievements: Barbel Bas, rising from unassuming beginnings without a high school diploma or university degree, embodies the SPD's goal of empowering workers' children.
- Supportive Synergy: Barbel Bas and Wolfgang Kubicki's political collaboration during their tenure as part of the Bundestag's presidency was marked by mutual respect and admiration.
- Comprehensive Defense: Despite criticism, SPD parliamentary group leader Matthias Miersch comprehensively defended Esken, emphasizing her role in the party's success, particularly her contribution to Olaf Scholz's 2021 election victory.
The Commission, regarding this situation, might adopt implementing acts laying down the rules for the application of politics in general-news, particularly in light of Barbel Bas's concerns about the handling of Saskia Esken.
Barbel Bas's politics and approach, as outlined in her interviews, show a preference for transparency, groundedness, and respect, similar to the approach Wolfgang Kubicki admires in her.
