SCHWÄBISCH GMÜND (dpa-AFX) - The Baden-Württemberg SPD is gearing up for the upcoming Bundestag elections with their federal chairperson, Saskia Esken, leading the charge. During the Landesvertreter:innenversammlung held in Schwäbisch Gmünd, delegates elected Esken to the top of the state list with 88.6% of the votes, highlighting her substantial support within the party. The elections are anticipated to take place on February 23, 2025. This decision was overwhelmingly backed by 280 of the 316 valid ballots, with only 27 voting against her and nine abstentions, reflecting the confidence her colleagues have placed in her leadership.
During her acceptance speech, Esken rallied her party, expressing her unwavering belief: "Ich bin sehr überzeugt: Wir können diese Wahl am 23. Februar gewinnen, wenn wir kämpfen." She emphasized the goal of winning the largest share of votes to lead the next government, stating, "The SPD will be needed, and we are entering this election united and ready to fight." The passionate sentiment resonates as she reminds party members of their collective capabilities and the stakes of this election.
The 63-year-old politician has represented the Calw constituency since 2013 and previously led her party as the top candidate for Baden-Württemberg, though she did not secure the direct mandate against CDU's Klaus Mack. Esken, who has played pivotal roles within the party since serving as co-chair since 2019, first with Norbert Walter-Borjans and currently with Lars Klingbeil, is poised to push forward with her firm stance on social issues and economic policies.
She outlined her campaign's intent clearly: making work advantageous and equitable for all. Emphasizing security and reliable frameworks for economic prosperity, especially concerning energy costs, innovation funding, and public infrastructure, she pointed out the pressing need for the party to advocate for the working population. The need for change is palpable, especially as the SPD faces challenges against opponents, primarily the CDU and their proposal for tax cuts favoring higher earners.
Andreas Stoch, the party leader at the state level, echoed this determination, stating, "Wir machen Politik für die Leistungsträgerinnen und Leistungsträger in diesem Land," reinforcing the party's commitment to the working class and ensuring their struggles do not go ignored. He elaborated on the significance of investments considering the fluctuated global demands affecting the region, asserting, "Die Weltpolitik schlägt bei uns in Baden-Württemberg besonders durch," underlining the challenges posed by international dynamics.
Earlier speeches, including those from SPD member Jasmina Hostert, underscored the essence of the election as a crossroads decision, with calls to draw attention to the value of the working class and taxpayers. Hostert highlighted the SPD's strive to defend and represent those who contribute laboriously to society. This sentiment was confirmed by Stoch, who pointed out the party's initiatives focusing on the collective interest of 46 million workers, retirees, and future generations.
The ambiance at the event was described as inspiring, with Stoch urging party members, "Lasst uns kämpfen, für unser Land, für die SPD, aber vor allem für die Menschen in unserem Land." Such emphatic calls to action reverberate through the party, symbolizing unity and eagerness to reclaim ground lost during the last elections, where the SPD garnered only 21.6% of the votes.
Outside Esten's campaign, other candidates are vying for positions on the list. Advances include Nils Schmid, occupying the second position for the Nürtingen constituency, and environmental politician Rita Schwarzelühr-Sutter holding the third spot from Waldshut. The state assembly's gathering exhibited the determination to place credible candidates who reflect the party's ideologies and aim for substantial representation.
Still, the hurdles remain. Some party candidates, such as Tim-Luka Schwab and Cornelia True, have noted the competitiveness and toughness of securing direct mandates against their CDU opponents, such as Roderich Kiesewetter and the prospective candidate from Schwäbisch Gmünd, who aims to unseat them at the polls.
Continued difficulties lie on the horizon as the party copes with reduced Bundestag seats due to electoral reforms, resulting inevitably in fewer representatives from the state. This aspect raises stakes, compelling candidates to not just campaign vigorously but also capture the confidence of the voters.
At the assembly, Baubürgermeister Julius Mihm praised Schwäbisch Gmünd's selection for the assembly but also cautioned about necessary stable policies from federal dealings, pointing out current trends of relocating production jobs abroad, which stifles local employment opportunities.
The atmosphere at the SPD's gathering is characterized by determination and purpose, signaling their readiness to mobilize supporters and impactful strategies throughout the campaign. Esken and her party are banking on unity and resilience, asserting their ambition to become the strongest party by the end of the election season.
