Former Minister Günter Baaske Announces Exit from SPD

Citing prolonged disputes involving the AWO welfare association, Baaske plans to leave the party by year’s end despite efforts to persuade him to stay.

Günter Baaske, a founding member of the SPD's predecessor in East Germany, plans to leave the party after 35 years of membership.
Baaske's decision stems from ongoing conflicts involving the SPD-affiliated AWO, which he claims misuses funds intended for charitable purposes.
The SPD leadership expressed regret over his decision and is attempting to convince him to reconsider, though Baaske insists his decision is final.
Baaske served as Brandenburg's Social Minister, Education Minister, and SPD parliamentary leader before stepping back from politics in 2017 for personal reasons.
His wife, Anne Baaske, previously resigned from her AWO leadership role in 2002 due to disputes over conflicts of interest, which have since led to legal battles and organizational restructuring.