The whispers have turned into shouts among members of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) as criticism mounts against the party chair, Saskia Esken. In a recent development, prominent party figure Franziska Giffey has vocalized her disquiet with Esken's continued leadership, calling for a fresh start following the SPD's dismal performance in the federal election.
According to the Süddeutsche Zeitung, a survey of politicians within the Bundestag faction, state level, and the party base indicates a growing chorus demanding Esken's resignation. Giffey declared her opposition to Esken participating in any future federal government, expressing that a new direction is imperative after the historic electoral defeat. “Everything else would be incomprehensible to the public after the historical electoral defeat,” Giffey told the Rheinische Post.
The social democrat's sentiment highlights a significant internal rift, as Giffey had previously advocated in February 2025 for Esken’s removal from the party leadership, suggesting that Lars Klingbeil assume full control of the party, thereby eliminating the co-leadership structure. These calls are not isolated; figures like Gerhard Gaiser, the SPD parliamentary group leader in the Freudenstadt district council, have publicly urged Esken to vacate her position before the party congress slated for June 2025, stating that “Saskia Esken klings like Pattex am Parteivorsitz,” a metaphor implying her grip on power is unyielding.
Esken's leadership has been criticized not only for party strategy but also for her personal decisions, such as taking a vacation in the Canary Islands during ongoing coalition negotiations, which many perceived as her being out of touch with pressing party matters. Critics underscore that while her co-chair Klingbeil is actively involved in talks with CDU leader Friedrich Merz, Esken's absence from Berlin during this critical time has not gone unnoticed.
Despite the challenges she faces, Esken does have her defenders. The Working Group of Social Democratic Women has come out in support of her leadership, emphasizing her commitment to equality and unity within the party. They cautioned against the risk of reverting to a male-dominated leadership should Esken step down.
Esken has been at the helm of the SPD for more than five years, first sharing leadership with Norbert Walter-Borjans, and since late 2021, alongside Klingbeil. Her tenure has been marked by various challenges, but the current dynamics signify a pivotal moment for the party. There is a palpable sentiment within different factions of the SPD that a structural change is warranted, especially in light of Dr. Esken’s stance towards a potential ministry role, which she previously suggested she could envision.
As Giffey noted, “A fresh start is necessary.” This statement resonates throughout the party, indicating a desire for transformative actions that could reinvigorate the SPD's standing in the political landscape. The internal conflict is reflective of a broader debate about the party's identity and direction.
Scholars of political science suggest that such a moment could lead to either a rejuvenation of party spirit or further entrenchment of existing issues within the SPD. It underscores the crucial need for a balanced discussion both within party ranks and among its supporters nationwide.
As the SPD leader approaches pivotal discussions, the balance between unity and dissent remains critical. Whether Esken can navigate through this turmoil and emerge as a strengthened figure or if the dissenting voices will compel her to step aside in favor of new leadership remains to be seen.
Lars Klingbeil, Esken's co-chair, seems to be positioning himself as a more dominant figure in external negotiations, a move that could either support Esken's leadership or further isolate her amid growing dissent. The outcome of these dynamics will likely influence the party’s strategy heading into the next electoral phase and its efforts to regain lost ground among the electorate.
In summary, the forthcoming SPD party congress could serve as a litmus test for both Esken's leadership and the broader strategy the party will adopt moving forward. As factions within the party publicly express their support or opposition, one thing is clear: the SPD stands at a crossroads, with its future hinging on the decisions made in the coming months.
