After the SPD’s disastrous result in the Rhineland‑Palatinate election, voices are calling for the resignation of party chairs Lars Klingbeil and Bärbel Bas.
Niedersachsen SPD legislator Doris Schröder‑Köpf told “Der Spiegel” that, as the only SPD chair in the state, she sees Anke Rehlinger-the successful Minister‑President of Saarland-as the rightful leader of the party’s northern wing. “Rehlinger is not a cabinet minister, which is an advantage in the current situation, and she is “close to the people” she added. That closeness is crucial for the future policy direction that needs discussion”.
Schröder‑Köpf also demanded consequences at the federal level. She wants the current SPD leader and federal Finance Minister – Lars Klingbeil – to step down as Vice Chancellor. “Boris Pistorius should become Vice Chancellor” she insisted, pointing to polling data that show Pistorius enjoys “the most trust” among German voters.
The legislator called for other SPD ministers‑presidents to play a stronger role in the party. Manuela Schwesig of Mecklenburg‑Vorpommern and Olaf Lies of Niedersachsen should remain in prominent positions.
Roger Lewentz, former SPD state chair for Rhineland‑Palatinate, echoed the call for separation between party leadership and ministerial office. “The SPD needs a caretaker who can give the party greater visibility; a ministerial position should not be viewed as a mere side job that’s ‘extremely demanded'” he told the broadcaster “Welt”. Lewentz said that the division of ministerial roles and party leadership should be discussed at the federal level. “I believe the SPD needs a far stronger presence as a party. What we really want is not intra‑government conflict, but for the party to be taken seriously on matters of social justice and beyond”. He noted that this has not yet succeeded on the Berlin stage.
