Hannover SPD Leader Steps Down Over Controversial Employee Monitoring

Lars Kelich resigns as SPD faction leader and council member, taking responsibility for the fallout from the 'Black List' scandal involving city employees' social media posts.

• Lars Kelich, SPD faction leader in Hannover, has resigned from his political roles following criticism over the party's handling of city employees' social media activity.
• The controversy arose after the SPD compiled a 'Black List' of city employees who publicly criticized budget cuts supported by SPD, CDU, and FDP members.
• The SPD leadership had requested a review of these employees' posts, raising concerns about potential infringements on free speech and employee rights.
• Kelich apologized for the incident, acknowledged it as a mistake, and emphasized the importance of protecting freedom of expression in democratic institutions.
• Hannover's Green Party mayor, Belit Onay, condemned the SPD's actions as a breach of trust and a threat to workplace freedom, while SPD leaders described Kelich's resignation as a necessary step.

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