Overview

• Bärbel Bas won co-chair with 95 percent of delegate support, replacing Saskia Esken and calling for renewed internal solidarity.
• Lars Klingbeil was re-elected with just 64.9 percent backing, one of the weakest showings for an uncontested SPD leader and a sign of lingering dissent.
• Delegates approved the launch of a new Grundsatzprogramm under the slogan “Veränderung beginnt mit uns,” with completion targeted for 2027.
• Speeches by Olaf Scholz and Saskia Esken emphasized respect and unity as essential for the SPD to rebuild voter trust after its historic 16.4 percent election low.
• Debate over a left-wing manifesto on defence and Russia highlighted deep divisions over military spending and proposals for dialogue with Moscow.