The Social Democratic Party (SPD) of Germany has officially decided to continue its coalition with the Greens in Hamburg, marking an important step in the city's political landscape following recent elections. This unanimous decision was reached after a board meeting on March 22, 2025, just over three weeks after the general election held on March 2.
Since 2015, Hamburg has been governed by a red-green coalition, and the SPD emerged as the strongest party in the recent election, although they did experience some losses. The SPD garnered 33.5% of the votes, while the Greens fell to 18.5%, being overtaken by the CDU (Christian Democratic Union), which secured 19.8% of the votes. In the wake of these results, the SPD explored potential collaboration not only with the Greens but also with the CDU, engaging in exploratory talks aimed at assessing possible common ground.
SPD leader Melanie Leonhard emphasized the significance of their decade-long partnership with the Greens, stating, "We have a ten-year collaboration with the Greens behind us that has indeed had its ups and downs." She expressed confidence in the coalition talks, highlighting that these negotiations are built on a strong foundation established through prior discussions with both parties. During these discussions, the SPD openly addressed crucial matters such as migration and transportation policies, acknowledging the need for a balanced approach that resonates well with the citizens of Hamburg.
Leonhard underscored the importance of gaining societal acceptance for necessary measures to combat climate change, stating, "It is clear to the Greens that the fight against climate change cannot be won without broad public support for certain actions." This indicates a willingness on both sides to adjust their strategies, especially in the realm of urban transportation policy, as they look to connect with the center of society.
The SPD thanked the CDU negotiation team for their honest and constructive dialogue during the exploratory talks. In a joint statement, Leonhard and her co-leader Nils Weiland expressed gratitude for the meaningful discussions with the CDU, stating, "We thank the CDU negotiation team for the honest, open, constructive, and trusting exchange."
Conversely, CDU leader Dennis Thering expressed disappointment with the SPD's decision to pursue a coalition with the Greens. He argued that a red-black coalition would have been the preferable choice for the city, reflecting a divergence in strategy and vision between the parties.
The SPD's focus now shifts toward solidifying its alliance with the Greens, with formal coalition negotiations set to commence on March 24, 2025. If all goes according to plan, these negotiations could conclude by mid-April, allowing for the election of the new Mayor Peter Tschentscher, whose authority would be confirmed in parliament during its first session in May.
With the SPD at the forefront of Hamburg's political scene once again, the party aims to advance the successful trajectory established by Tschentscher's leadership while addressing critical issues that resonate with constituents. The SPD’s renewed commitment to its partnership with the Greens signals a significant potential for continuity in governance amidst shifting electoral dynamics in Hamburg.
