SPD candidacy for chancellor
SPD leader reacts to quarrels with self-criticism
Updated 11/23/2024Reading time: 4 min.
After the agonizing debate about the K question, the Jusos attacked the SPD leadership. She is self-critical for the first time. But party leader Esken sees no long-term damage. On the contrary.
After the tough debate about the candidacy for chancellor, SPD leader Saskia Esken expressed self-criticism for the first time. “No,we didn’t really give a good impression when we nominated our candidate for chancellor,” she said at the Juso federal congress in Halle in Saxony-Anhalt,receiving long-lasting applause.
However, Esken also made it clear that in her opinion the party had not suffered any damage. “We are emerging from this debate not damaged, but also stronger as we have now achieved great agreement,” she told journalists. “Such a united party, which now gathers behind the top staff and runs together, is the strength of the SPD. This is how we will win the election.”
Co-chairman Lars Klingbeil defended the party leadership’s approach to the K issue on Friday. Of course there needs to be discussion, he said at a conference of SPD local politicians in Berlin. “I
At the start of the Juso Congress, the chairman of the youth association, Philipp Türmer, accused Klingbeil and Esken of leadership failure to the applause of around 300 delegates: “It can’t go on like this.” “What a shit show it’s been over the last few weeks,” he said to her.
After Esken’s speech,Turmer renewed his criticism.”I have to say, at this point I really lacked a plan and actually lacked leadership on this issue from the party leadership.” The debate was “destructive”, but it is now over. “Now we need a clear strategy as to how we go into this election campaign.” He called for a focus on defending the welfare state, securing industrial jobs and modernizing society. Specifically, he called for, among other things, the abolition of the debt brake and the taxation of assets.
After the coalition break and the new election decision,the party leadership decided not to immediately nominate prime Minister Olaf Scholz as a candidate for chancellor.This has led to a debate over the past two weeks about replacing the much more popular Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. It was only ended on Thursday when Pistorius renounced his candidacy. On Monday, the board now wants to nominate Scholz as candidate for chancellor.
The deputy SPD chairman Hubertus Heil was annoyed at the Juso congress about the quarrels over the K question. “It hasn’t been good in the last few days, it has to end now,” said the Labor Minister in halle. “Our Social Democratic Party is not an end in itself, and it is not a self-help group.” Other than Turmer, Heil did not name those responsible.
He called on the Jusos to look forward and concentrate on the election in three months on February 23rd. ”Fight with us,it’s not just about us,it’s about our country.” The SPD now has to “pull itself together and stand together so that we win”.
The Young Socialists are the SPD’s youth institution with around 70,000 members between the ages of 14 and 35. They make up almost a quarter of the SPD representatives in the Bundestag. Scholz is not taking part in the federal congress. The former Juso deputy head has never been to a party youth congress in his almost three years as head of goverment.
The discussion focused on the content of the election campaign. But the K question and the type of clarification also played a role. One delegate said such a decision should not be made “in stuffy back rooms”. Hard-working campaigners must be treated with respect and included. One delegate said that support for Scholz in the election campaign was “not God-given”. “I don’t no if I’ll stand in the cold and campaign for Olaf.”
At an event in Sauerland, Pistorius emphasized again that he had never put himself into play as a candidate and that he did not want the debate. “I love my current job, I really do,” he said. He is not yet finished with his work for the Bundeswehr and is aiming for a second term as Defense Minister.
what are the key challenges facing the SPD leadership as they prepare for the upcoming elections?
Time.news Interview: Exploring the SPD Leadership Dynamics with Political Expert Dr. Anna Weichsel
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Weichsel. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent developments within the SPD as they navigate the candidacy for chancellor.the recent Juso Congress has sparked meaningful debate. What are your initial thoughts on the self-criticism expressed by SPD leader Saskia Esken?
Dr. Anna Weichsel: thank you for having me. Esken’s self-criticism is quite notable, especially coming from a party leader who has been under intense scrutiny lately. Acknowledging flaws in their approach demonstrates a level of clarity that is crucial for rebuilding trust within the party. This type of reflection can galvanize support, but it also indicates awareness of the serious internal struggles they are facing.
Editor: Indeed, she did receive a positive response from the delegates during her speech. However,she maintained that the party has not suffered any long-term damage. Do you think this optimism is realistic given the criticisms from younger party members like Philipp Türmer?
Dr. Weichsel: It’s an engaging juxtaposition. On one hand, Esken’s statement about emerging stronger suggests a belief in unifying the party’s vision moving forward. Though, the youth’s critical responses highlight a disconnect. Türmer’s remarks about leadership failure reflect a sentiment that change is necessary for the SPD to resonate with younger voters. This could be a pivotal moment for the SPD to reassess it’s strategies, particularly in engaging and empowering younger voices within their ranks.
Editor: Esken mentioned that the debate has resulted in greater agreement and strength within the SPD. How do you interpret her optimism in the context of the upcoming elections?
Dr. Weichsel: Esken’s optimism is strategic. By framing the outcome of the debate as a strengthening experience, she seeks to project unity and resilience—a necessary narrative as they prepare for elections. If the SPD can harness the energy and commitment from its members, particularly after a tumultuous debate, it stands a chance to rally stronger support. However, this will require tangible actions that align with the rhetoric she’s using; otherwise, it risks being perceived as mere lip service.
Editor: co-chairman Lars Klingbeil defended the leadership’s approach at the recent conference.How crucial is it for party leaders to maintain a united front, especially during contentious times?
Dr. Weichsel: Unity among leaders is crucial, especially during turmoil. It signals stability to party members and external constituents alike. However, it must be genuine; if party rank-and-file feel that the leadership is out of touch or dismissive of their concerns, that can lead to fractures. The challenge for Klingbeil and Esken will be to bridge the gap between their leadership and the voices of dissent within the party, including the Jusos.
Editor: Lastly,reflecting on this challenging period for the SPD,do you think that internal conflict could ultimately lead to positive change,or do you foresee it hampering their election efforts?
Dr. Weichsel: Internal conflict,while undoubtedly challenging,can lead to positive change if handled effectively. It encourages dialog and can foster innovative solutions to longstanding issues. Though, if the party cannot demonstrate its capability to manage these conflicts constructively, it risks alienating potential voters. The next few months will be crucial as the SPD must prove that they can transform this period of reflection and criticism into a cohesive strategy that appeals to a broader electorate.
Editor: Thank you, dr. Weichsel, for sharing your insights on the SPD’s current challenges and future prospects. We look forward to seeing how this situation unfolds as the elections approach.
Dr. Weichsel: Thank you for having me. It will certainly be an interesting journey for the SPD and German politics as a whole.