In the wake of a disappointing electoral performance, pressure is mounting on German Social Democratic Party (SPD) co-leader Saskia Esken to resign, with calls from within her own ranks echoing louder. Following the recent federal election on February 23, 2025, where the SPD plummeted to only 16.4% of votes, multiple party members have publicly stated their lack of confidence in her leadership, culminating in significant demands for her departure.
One of the most vocal critics is Thomas Jung, the Mayor of Fürth, who is notable for being the longest-serving large-city mayor in Germany. In an interview with Tagesspiegel, Jung articulated his stance clearly, saying, "For the comrade Esken, I see actually no further tasks in the party leadership that could ultimately bring progress and added value for the SPD.” This comment underlines a sentiment shared by various SPD members who feel her tenure has not been beneficial for the party's trajectory.
Jung further suggested that Lars Klingbeil, Esken’s co-leader, should assume sole leadership of the SPD. He described Klingbeil as a "hope bearer for the future of the SPD," pointing out that concentrating power under one strong leader could be advantageous: "I believe that the SPD has taken an important step with the strengthening of Lars Klingbeil by having both party and faction chairmanship." This single-leadership model aligns more closely with historical precedents, as he cited the effectiveness of past chairs like Willy Brandt, who led the party during its peak membership years.
Dagmar Freitag, a former SPD Bundestag member, has also added her voice to the chorus calling for Esken's resignation. Freitag highlighted the low approval ratings Esken received in her own constituency, stating, "A long-time party leader, who receives only 12.9% of first votes in her electoral district, clearly has no acceptance among the citizens." Asserting that such acceptance is critical for support within the party, she echoed Jung's sentiments, suggesting it might be in the SPD’s best interest for Esken to step down voluntarily.
Freitag, who has been candid about her views on Esken's suitability for leadership, noted, "Some of her interviews could have been better not given." This specific feedback echoes the general discontent within the party regarding the leadership team's public performances and media engagements, suggesting a need for a fresh face to rejuvenate the party's image.
Saskia Esken has acknowledged the party’s dire situation, stating during a recent interview on ZDF’s morning magazine that “personnel consequences” are necessary following their electoral defeat. However, she refrained from making concrete decisions on her own future, suggesting instead that these matters would be addressed collectively during an upcoming party congress planned for summer 2025, where they will analyze the election results and discuss the way forward as a team.
The growing dissent over Esken’s leadership reflects broader concerns about the SPD's direction in light of its electoral struggles. The party's performance, which saw it fall behind both CDU/CSU and AfD, has prompted discussions not only about personnel changes but also about the broader strategy the SPD must adopt to regain its position as a formidable force in German politics.
For many SPD members, the need for action feels urgent. Reports indicate that both the party's grassroots and its leadership have shown signs of frustration not only with Esken but also with the dual leadership arrangement itself. Critics argue that this structure has led to a dilution of authority and clarity within the party, hindering effective decision-making.
As the SPD navigates these turbulent waters, both internal calls for change and the need to address external perceptions loom large. Members like Jung and Freitag underscore a collective plea for a new direction, one that should ideally involve a more concentrated leadership capable of fostering unity and effectiveness within the party.
With the SPD’s future hanging in the balance, how Esken responds to these pressures will likely define not only her political trajectory but potentially the fate of the party itself. The stakes have never been higher, as the SPD seeks to reaffirm its relevance in the evolving landscape of German politics. Will Esken heed the call for change, or will she attempt to weather this storm in hopes of turning the tide before the next election?
