Rolling with Barbel Bas: The SPD's Motorcycle Maven in the Bullseye
An Exclusive Interview with Barbel Bas, the SPD's Rising Star on the Line
- by Florian Schillat
- 3 Min
Woman with the Harley-Davidson in Focus as Events Unfold - Woman in possession of Harley-Davidson at center of events
Things could've been rougher, laughs Barbel Bas on the phone, but really, she ain't got much to complain about. The 56-year-old is smack-dab in the spotlight and primed for a significant role in the upcoming coalition.
With the SPD taking a crushing blow in the federal election, slipping to only the third-largest faction in the Bundestag, Bas hasn't lost a single ounce of influence. In fact, she's more valuable than ever—across party lines. But with the ruling out of Anke Rehlinger and Manuela Schwesig for a step to Berlin, the opportunity knocks louder for Bas. So, what's she gonna do?
Does it feel good to be in the limelight? Or does she feel the heat coming down? Bas, once a low-key SPD member, brushes off the modest question. "It's always nice to be seen as capable," she shares, "but it also puts a bit o' pressure on me to keep up the conversation on many fronts." In the end, she's gotta make a choice 'bout where she wants to run.
"I'm just keen on keeping my down-to-earth vibe"
Given the SPD's record-breaking low in the federal election, Bas lost her position as Bundestag president to Julia Kloeckner of the CDU. Yet, she's still got clout—on both sides. Fellow social democrats and the CDU alike value her insightful contributions. And with other leading social democrats ruling out a move to Berlin, the race could be Bas' to win.
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With hercssacre-like victory in Duisburg, Bas enjoys extraordinary authority within the federal party and the powerful and influential SPD state association North Rhine-Westphalia. It's essential to stay approachable and visible on the local front, Bas affirms, to keep the public from getting tired of leaders who seem untouched by the "so-called little stuff." So, she's itching to head back to Duisburg, lugging around Berlin for weeks as she was. She needs some solid ground under her feet again.
Bas takes after the 19er round from the SPD and the Union, united to bring Black-Red to the finish line. The goal? Wrapping up negotiations by the end of the week. "There's still some heavy lifting left," says Bas. And Germany's recent tariff woes haven't made the negotiations any easier. But everyone knows negotiations need an end. The world is on the brink, and Germany needs to act.
When there's a window of free time during the hectic negotiation days (typically from 8 to 9 in the morning), Bas goes for a hard, bass-rumbling walk, blasting tunes on her smartphone. "Whatever's in the garden, Top-40 hits, or something with a powerful bassline—that's what drags me out the door."
Mostly, she's been holed up, backroom deep-diving through endless stacks of papers—no doubt a few bundled up since the unwelcome leak of the preliminary working group results. Notable materials have trickled in from associations, companies, What some'd call tips and tricks for the upcoming coalition.
"You can sure count on me for that coffee one"
Being neutral in party colors, Bas' previous position as President of the Bundestag may serve her well in these delicate times. If the situation gets deadlocked, she says, then maybe a small-gathering coffee meeting could do the trick to break the barrier.
After completing secondary school, Bas sharpened her welding skills at technical school, eventually securing a management role with Duisburger Verkehrsgesellschaft through additional training. In 1988, she joined the SPD at 20 and roared into the Bundestag in 2009. She established herself as a healthcare spokesperson before taking the helm as President of the Parliament in 2021. A self-proclaimed football fan (MSV Duisburg) and Harley-Davidson owner (Low Rider), Bas brings her teamwork experiences from business to politics.
"Teamwork's important across every level," she muses, "even if you're leading. You gotta know when to step back and let others take charge, but also when to step up." These words reflect Bas' current situation quite fittingly.
The 56-year-old's imminent ascension may not require a massive leap—the SPD's pool of options dwindles after the rejections of Rehlinger and Schwesig. Saskia Esken, the current chair, is still in the running, but she's contentious. And many believe Esken could soon join the cabinet, vacating the SPD chairmanship. The SPD wants to decide on its new leadership at an early party conference in late June.
Considering Bas' capabilities, experience, and urgent need for the SPD to appeal to younger voters, the chance for Bas to ascend is high. As Germany navigates various economic challenges and educational reforms, Bas' role may evolve as she steers the SPD towards new horizons.
- Barbara Bas
- SPD
- Bundestag
- Duisburg
- North Rhine-Westphalia
- Federal Election
- Julia Klöckner
- CDU
- Politicians
- Barbel Bas, the SPD's rising star, modestly brushes off the question about enjoying the limelight, stating that it puts pressure on her to maintain her influence and keep up with the conversations on various fronts.
- Despite the CDU's victory in the federal election, Barbel Bas, the former Bundestag president, still holds significant influence, not only among fellow social democrats but also within the CDU, due to her insightful contributions.
- In the event of a deadlock in negotiations, Barbel Bas, known for her neutrality, suggests a small-group coffee meeting could be an effective solution to break the impasse.
