The Social Democratic Party (SPD) is expected to elect its new party leadership at a federal party convention scheduled for January 16th and 17th. According to reports based on party circles, the convention is set to take place in Bremen, following a circulating resolution currently under deliberation until Friday.
This crucial selection comes after the resignation of Bärbel Bas, who stepped down as Labor Minister and co-party leader. In response, the party presidency unanimously agreed that a complete election for the entire SPD leadership was necessary. Co-party leader Lars Klingbeil has indicated that he is keeping his candidacy open for re-election.
Several figures are being considered as potential leaders. Manuela Schwesig, the Minister-President of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and Anke Rehlinger, Minister-President of Saarland, are among the potential candidates. Additionally, former Labor Minister Hubertus Heil (SPD) has put himself forward publicly, although he has not yet officially declared his intent to run. While Defense Minister Boris Pistorius is consistently cited as the most popular SPD politician in surveys, he has so far declined to stand for the leadership.
Klingbeil has suggested that the party will once again adopt a dual leadership structure. However, the party statutes stipulate that the convention may also vote to abandon the model of having two co-leaders.
