Overview

• The SPD's leadership election will take place at the federal congress in June, with Lars Klingbeil widely expected to consolidate power as co-chair and assume vice-chancellor and finance minister roles in the next government.
• Saskia Esken, the current co-chair, was not nominated for the federal board by her home state of Baden-Württemberg, a symbolic blow to her candidacy.
• Despite lacking her regional nomination, Esken can still run for co-chair via federal board nomination or spontaneous candidacy at the congress.
• Prominent SPD leaders, including Bärbel Bas, Manuela Schwesig, and Alexander Schweitzer, have publicly endorsed Klingbeil, further isolating Esken within the party.
• Internal debates over gender representation and leadership renewal continue, with criticism targeting Esken's performance and suitability for cabinet roles, while SPD youth and women’s groups defend her contributions.