Minister’s resignation rocks Germany’s coalition

Berlin, October 12 - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's government experienced unexpected upheaval on Monday when a key minister from the junior coalition partner, the SPD, unexpectedly resigned. Baerbel Bas, the Labour Minister and co-leader of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), cited personal reasons for her departure, stating she needed time to mourn the loss of her daughter-in-law.

However, she also criticized the chancellor's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) for the "public attacks" against her, particularly during this difficult period in her life.

The resignation of Bas, who has held the positions of minister and co-leader of the SPD, comes amidst government turmoil. The nation is facing a sluggish economy and low poll ratings. Furthermore, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has outperformed the CDU in two recent state polls, including in the region of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, where Merz's CDU received its lowest ever result.

The CDU has accused Bas of obstructing planned changes to working time regulations and pension reform. Rhineland-Palatinate state CDU leader, Gordon Schnieder, commented on the situation, saying, "You can only expect criticism in that case." The departure of Bas creates complications for the coalition's main priority: pension reform. Her ministry is currently drafting a bill, after a government commission recommended longer working hours to address the aging population.

Bas is relinquishing both her ministerial role and her position as co-leader of the SPD. She will be succeeded as Labour Minister by Alexander Schweitzer, who is one of the SPD's vice chairs. Bas will retain her seat as an MP for Duisburg, a city in northern Germany that lies at the heart of the former Ruhr mining region.

Chancellor Merz expressed respect for Bas's decision, thanking her for her commitment. As a father and grandfather, he acknowledged the heavy loss she is experiencing: "I wish her and her family a lot of strength."