The 2025 German federal election has resulted in devastating losses for the Social Democratic Party (SPD) led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, marking the party's worst performance since its establishment. With exit polls indicating the SPD garnered just 16.4 percent of votes, a stark decrease from the 25.7 percent it received in 2021, many party members are now calling for resignations within the leadership.
This electoral debacle has positioned the SPD as one of the main losers of the election, which was already anticipated, as hopes for Scholz's re-election dwindled over recent months. According to ZDF's projections on election night, this figure signifies not just disappointment, but also sets a record low for the SPD, falling below 20 percent for the first time ever. Previous losses during prior elections had also seen the party maintain just above the 20 percent mark.
Following the harsh electoral setback, the SPD leadership convened to discuss the next steps, with both Co-Chairs, Saskia Esken and Lars Klingbeil, acknowledging the need for considerable change. Scholz, during his address at the Willy-Brandt-Haus, stated, "This is a bitter result for the Social Democratic Party. It is also clearly and distinctly one of loss. For me, this is a result from which we must collectively emerge stronger." He underscored the importance of regrouping and revitalizing the party.
Esken echoed these sentiments, recognizing the necessity for the SPD to undergo organizational and programmatic restructuring. "We need to thoughtfully and collectively navigate how we realign our party after such disappointing results. This involves new generations and fresh faces leading the way," she remarked during her post-election comments.
With such drastic changes demanded internally, many are speculating whether Boris Pistorius, the popular Federal Defense Minister, could be among those considered as the future face of the SPD. His name has emerged as the party deliberates its direction moving forward. Pistorius acknowledged the result as "devastation" for the party, remarking, "There is nothing to sugarcoat. It is now our task to build toward ensuring we can establish a stable government. Timing is everything, and how we pull together counts." He also suggested he is open to leading discussions should negotiations about government coalitions arise.
Scholz has also made it clear he will not partake in coalition discussions with the CDU/CSU, stating, "Now it's up to others to find pathways to government formation." His declaration signaled the end of his active role after the SPD's downfall, granting space for others to emerge and propose fresh ideas.
Post-election evaluations will not be swift; SPD members voiced concerns over their reputation resulting from the governing coalition’s failures, denouncing how those negative impressions influenced their electoral performance. Baden-Württemberg’s SPD leader, Andreas Stoch, summed it up succinctly: "We were unable to dissociate ourselves from the negative connotations tied to our coalition's performance, especially as regards to the AfD's growth."
This widespread acknowledgment of fault paints the picture of a party scrambling to reposition itself both within the political sphere and public perception. Esken's refusal to step down as co-chair signals both her commitment to the SPD and willingness to shepherd its future, albeit it’s evident her leadership style will need drastic re-evaluation.
It is evident from the current electoral results and internal discussions, the SPD finds itself at a pivotal moment, necessitating decisive action and strategic maneuvering to recuperate from this significant blow.
The next few weeks will be integral for the SPD, as party leaders contemplate their future strategies and who will take charge during this time of uncertainty. Observers and members alike will be watching closely, as the groundwork laid now will determine the party's fate moving forward.