Overview
- Saskia Esken has confirmed she will not run for re-election as SPD co-chair at the June party congress, citing internal and media pressure.
- Esken criticized a 'public hunt' by the media and party dynamics, describing debates over her future as inappropriate and dismissive of her contributions.
- Bärbel Bas, currently Federal Labour Minister, is set to succeed Esken as SPD co-chair, pending formal election at the June congress.
- Bas has already drawn attention within the CDU-SPD coalition by proposing pension reforms, including extending statutory pensions to civil servants and the self-employed, sparking tensions with coalition partners.
- Esken has pledged to remain engaged in policy discussions and support her party critically, while highlighting the double standards women face in political leadership roles.