Regierung: „Nicht die Kraft“: Bas gibt Ministeramt und SPD-Vorsitz auf

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) has urged SPD heavyweight Bärbel Bas to resign from her ministerial and party leadership positions. Bas, 58, announced her immediate resignation from both roles, citing her inability to "raise the strength" to fully carry out her government and party work at this time. Her SPD colleague Lars Klingbeil was already informed of the decision, and Merz requested her to be removed from the cabinet.

Bas justified her decision by citing the recent death of her stepdaughter, for whom she needed time to process her grief. She also acknowledged the continuing public attacks on her, including those from the ruling coalition, as she faced a difficult personal period. The Union politicians had recently harshly criticized Bas for not submitting proposed legislation quickly enough on planned reforms, such as those related to pensions.

Bas remained a Bundestag member in her announcement, expressing gratitude for the support she received in her ministerial role. She emphasized that a strong leadership, fully pushing forward the pending laws and reforms, would have been a valuable asset. The SPD leadership also congratulated Bas on her resignation. As a Bundestag deputy, Bas stated she would continue to serve.

SPD leader Klingbeil expressed sadness over Bas's decision, noting that everyone is only human behind the positions they hold. He empathized with her decision, stating that the public attacks against her during her grieving process were disrespectful and should not have been tolerated. SPD faction leader Matthias Miersch acknowledged Bas's stance as commendable, even if it became uncomfortable at times. However, he acknowledged that the strength to endure had finally run out.