Former SPD chairman Kurt Beck has warned his party not to remove party leaders Lars Klingbeil and Bärbel Bas after recent election setbacks. Speaking to the “Bild” (Tuesday issue), Beck stressed that the decision boils down to substantive policy issues and how effectively the party can connect with people, saying personal matters “are not in the foreground”.
When asked about the SPD’s loss in Rhineland‑Palatinate, Beck admitted it hurts him: “Obviously, it pains me”. He pointed out that many in the party had worked hard and built something, so the outcome felt especially bitter. He added that seeing a strong front figure, good candidates, and a generally healthy state yield such a blow was painful.
Beck does not place the defeat solely on the state. “All the data I have show that a negative mood has emerged nationwide among many people, and I think that underpins this election result” he said. He contrasted this with the success of fellow party leader Schweitzer, who “made a good job but was powerless”.
He also cited the rise of the AfD: “When I was in office, the right‑wing radicals were not as strong as they are today. Naturally, they capture part of the voter base that, at least for us right now, is unreachable”.
