Hubertus Heil, the SPD politician, has expressed personal self-criticism regarding his public appearances. He told the Spiegel that he used to speak in a manner that was overly bureaucratic and overly detailed, noting that he has since learned valuable lessons from this. He adds that he has garnered significantly more support recently by focusing more on the personal belief that drives him.
He emphasized that he has not undergone any specific rhetoric training, stating instead that he has asked himself critically: “What can I do better?” Furthermore, while acknowledging that the AfD supports a dreadful worldview, he noted that they nevertheless bring a political passion that is currently missing in some democrats.
Heil also directed an appeal to his own party, urging that all democrats need to improve their communication in the digital age. While strictly stating that Social Democrats must never become populists, he stressed that their passion and conviction must be clearly visible. He reiterated that their speeches are, indeed, frequently too bureaucratic.
Looking ahead, Heil mentioned that he is considering running for the SPD party chairmanship. When asked if he would run in January, he replied that it is possible, but all matters must first be discussed within the SPD. He stated that he would enter the race if he could convincingly demonstrate that he can contribute to making the SPD stronger.
He explained that he will decide on a candidacy carefully, focusing on two key questions: first, what should the general direction of the SPD be, and second, what should the team look like. The politician called for a clear course rooted in what he describes as a “solidary performance society,” and also called for clarity in foreign and security policies. He emphasized the need for bold politics that would economically and politically strengthen Europe’s sovereignty.
Regarding potential teammates if he were to run as part of a co-leadership, Heil refrained from naming names in the newspaper, instead stating that there are many women within the SPD who possess the necessary qualities. However, he insisted that they must speak for themselves regarding their willingness to take on such a role.
