Overview

• 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.