Philipp Türmer, the leader of the Young Socialists, told the Funke Media Group’s podcast “Meine schwerste Entscheidung” that the Social Democratic Party still lacks credibility after its devastating defeat in Baden-Württemberg. He said the party must again be seen as a credible “Party of Labor” and must play a decisive role on distribution and justice questions that are increasingly urgent in society. According to Türmer, this is essential to secure the party’s base, a goal he feels he must pursue as Jusos chair.
Türmer described the party’s 5.5 % vote share in Baden-Württemberg as “shattered” and far worse than any expectation. Yet he warned that they cannot afford to let despair take root, saying that despair can lead to self‑blockage. He is confident he knows what the problems are and has an idea for how to escape the current situation. Türmer pledged to bring that idea to life and to do everything in his power to achieve it.
