Overview

• Franziska Giffey told the Tagesspiegel she has not ruled out her own bid but stressed that any candidate must unite diverse party factions.
• The SPD has set a timeline to nominate its Spitzenkandidat or Spitzenkandidatin by September ahead of the 20 September 2026 state election.
• Alongside Giffey, faction leader Raed Saleh, co-chairs Martin Hikel and Nicola Böcker-Ginanni, and Social Senator Cansel Kiziltepe are under consideration.
• Giffey defended her decision last year to form a coalition with the CDU instead of continuing with the Greens and Left as necessary for Berlin’s interests.
• She discounted joining the federal government, emphasizing her commitment to Berlin politics through the end of the legislative term.