The Berlin SPD is constantly losing votes, says the former state secretary – and is calling for a new state executive. The party leadership refuses.
After the Berlin SPD’s very narrow decision to form a coalition with the CDU, former State Secretary Sawsan Chebli called on the two state chairmen, Franziska Giffey and Raed Saleh, to step down from the party leadership.
“We have governed for almost twelve years, unfortunately with a continuous loss of votes. This can no longer remain without consequences,” Chebli told the magazine “Spiegel”. “I think it makes sense and is appropriate for the previous chairmen to concentrate fully on government policy. The necessary rebuilding of the SPD cannot be done as a part-time job.”
The federal SPD is an example of how the separation between party leadership and government can work, said Chebli and warned against the departure of many members to the Greens. You get a lot of feedback. “There is no independent, convincing attitude that combines consistent environmental protection with strong social security. If we don’t manage that, we shouldn’t be surprised if we lose even more voters.” Chebli was State Secretary under the Governing Mayor Michael Müller, but then lost her position in 2021 under his successor Giffey.
Similar demands for new SPD state chairmen had recently been made by other social democrats. But both Giffey and the state and parliamentary group leader Saleh emphasized on Monday that they wanted to remain in office. Giffey, who is also state chairwoman, emphasized that her path to the coalition with the CDU was “majority supported”. “Party elections are scheduled for next year. This is not a question now.”
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
