SPD Faces Leadership Turmoil as Saskia Esken Confronts Growing Criticism

Internal dissent intensifies over Esken's leadership following poor election results, with no clear alternative ahead of June's leadership election.

Saskia Esken is under increasing pressure to resign as SPD co-chair after the party's historically poor election performance.
Criticism of Esken has been amplified by her decision to take a vacation during coalition negotiations, which some in the party view as politically insensitive.
Esken argues that the criticism she faces is shaped by gender stereotypes, while her supporters claim it reflects systemic bias in a male-dominated leadership structure.
Lars Klingbeil, Esken's co-chair, has consolidated his position by becoming SPD parliamentary group leader and has avoided similar scrutiny despite shared responsibility for the election loss.
The SPD is preparing for a leadership election in June, but no strong challenger to Esken has emerged, leaving her future uncertain.