Overview

• Franziska Giffey has tied any decision to run for the 2026 lead candidacy to a formal membership referendum aimed at ensuring broad support.
• SPD Berlin co-chairs Nicola Böcker-Giannini and Martin Hikel dismissed the referendum proposal and vowed to determine the Spitzenkandidat in September.
• Giffey remains undecided on her own candidacy and says she will confirm her intentions once the party outlines the nomination process.
• Berlin SPD officials argue that an expedited internal decision will help galvanize the party after its 18.4 percent showing in the 2023 repeat election.
• Parliamentary leader Raed Saleh and Social Senator Cansel Kiziltepe are viewed as leading contenders, with some members also considering an external candidate.