Brodeln an der Basis: Kritik an SPD-Doppelspitze wächst: „politischere Führung“

As the SPD faces criticism on the regional level, particularly in the Ruhr area, the pressure on the federal party-doublespot increases. In interviews with "Handelsblatt" and "WAZ", SPD spokesman Markus Töns from the Ruhr region reiterated the region's demands for a separation of the party and ministerial positions. Töns stated that the SPD needs "politically stronger leadership" in the crisis time, which cannot be achieved from the minister's office, as Bas and Klingbeil are bound by cabinet discipline.

They cannot serve two masters - the party and the federal government, emphasized the deputy. He believes it is easier to criticize the chancellor and the union from within the party. The SPD politician urged to draw real consequences from the election results and not to be surprised again. He sees a need for correction in the reform efforts.

More and more comrades in North Rhine-Westphalia are pushing for change. In North Rhine-Westphalia, which was once the birthplace of Social Democracy, the situation has been deteriorating at the grassroots level for a while now. As early as late July, the SPD district Bielefeld voiced its concerns to the leadership, including Bundesarbeitsministerin Bärbel Bas and Bundesfinanzminister Lars Klingbeil, criticizing outdated double roles, credibility loss, and political mistakes.

In late August, the SPD Ruhrgebiet sent an appeal to the chancellor to show more respect and humility. Comrades not only criticized Merkel and the union, but also the entire federal government, describing it as "a serious crisis of confidence" and numerous errors. Recently, a group of concerned Social Democrats and academics met with NRW mayor Marc Herter (SPD) to discuss the party's future.