Hubertus Heil, the former Federal Minister of Labor and a long-serving senior politician in the SPD, has called for a renewal within his political party. Speaking to “Stern,” he stated that the SPD needs “fresh air and curiosity about people,” adding that the Social Democrats must once again be a forum for engaging debates on the country’s future.
The Social Democrat observed that the party often appears stagnant. Heil mentioned that many individuals wish to find their political home again in the SPD. To attract them, he argued, the party needs to listen more and avoid internal complacency. Instead of concentrating on minor issues, the SPD requires grand missions to support, which would invite active participation.
When asked how to mobilize these people to become political actors within the party, Heil responded that the SPD must “invite, involve, and dare to engage in more internal democracy.” This also includes considering the determination of candidates for public office primarily through member elections. Furthermore, the party should strive to achieve greater social representation when recruiting candidates.
Simultaneously, Heil stated that he is open to taking on new leadership roles. “I will engage wherever I am needed,” he told the magazine. He stressed that the SPD is not an end in itself nor is it private property, asserting that no one has a right to any particular position.
