SPD Faces Leadership Turmoil as Calls for Esken's Resignation Grow

Prominent party members push for Lars Klingbeil to assume sole leadership following poor election results and criticism of the dual leadership model.

Saskia Esken faces mounting pressure to resign as SPD co-chair, with critics citing her lack of support within the party and among voters.
The SPD's poor performance in the February Bundestag election, securing only 16.4% of the vote, has intensified scrutiny of its leadership structure.
Thomas Jung and Dagmar Freitag are among those advocating for Esken's departure, questioning the effectiveness of the dual leadership model.
Lars Klingbeil is increasingly seen as a unifying figure, with calls for him to lead the SPD alone as a 'strong personality' and 'hope for the future.'
Critics compare Klingbeil's potential solo leadership to the strong, centralized leadership of former SPD leader Willy Brandt, emphasizing the need for a strategic shift.