Regierung: Bas gibt auf – Schweitzer folgt als Minister

Federal government announces Bärbel Bas's resignation from her positions as Minister of Labour and SPD leader. The 58-year-old explained that she lacks the strength to continue her government and party work immediately and has decided to resign both roles. Alexander Schweitzer, a former SPD Minister-President from Rhineland-Palatinate, is set to succeed her as Minister for Labour.

The German Press Agency reported this news, with several media outlets having previously announced the same. The SPD announced a statement from its leader Lars Klingbeil after a presidium session. Bas had informed Klingbeil of the decision. Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) had also requested her to resign from her position.

Bas cited the death of her stepdaughter as the reason for needing time to process her grief. She wrote that she needed to take sufficient time for mourning. However, public attacks on her, including from the ranks of her coalition partner, continued throughout this difficult period. Union politicians had recently criticized Bas for not submitting laws for planned reform initiatives, such as pension reforms, quickly enough.

They accused her of delaying and blocking reforms. Bas remains a Member of the Bundestag. In her announcement, Bas thanked her colleagues for their support in the Labour Ministry. She stated that they deserved a strong leadership that drives the pending laws and reform initiatives forward with full force. The SPD leadership also expressed their gratitude.

Bas stated that she would remain as a Member of the Bundestag. SPD leader Klingbeil expressed sadness over Bas's decision, noting that "behind the positions we are all just people." He personally understood the step as the attacks against her in the days leading up to her mourning were disrespectful. Union spokesman Matthias Miersch commended Bas for showing her stance, even though it became increasingly difficult. "The strength is finally gone."