Esken Criticizes Public Hunt
Saskia Esken too avoid Public Criticism of SPD After Leadership Exit
Published: May 14, 2025, 10:08 PM
Outgoing SPD co-chair Saskia Esken intends to refrain from publicly criticizing the party’s future leadership following her departure. Though, she views the behavior of some within the party as “inappropriate,” decrying what she perceives as a ”public hunting” atmosphere.
Speaking to the daily *taz*, Esken stated, “I will always critically accompany my party. But I can expect me not to poison the SPD for personal reasons.” She drew a parallel to former SPD chairwoman Andrea Nahles, who adopted a similar approach after stepping down. “We women can do that,” Esken remarked.
Esken, 63, announced her withdrawal from the SPD co-chairmanship last Sunday. She has been part of the party’s leadership as 2019. As 2021, she has co-led the party with Lars Klingbeil, who also serves as Vice Chancellor and Finance minister in the current government.
Bärbel Bas, the new Minister of Labor, is vying for the position alongside Klingbeil. Delegates will vote at a federal party conference at the end of June.Esken described Bas as a “girlfriend.”
Criticism of Treatment
Esken faced criticism within the party following the SPD’s electoral setback in the Bundestag election, particularly in contrast to Klingbeil, who immediately sought the parliamentary group chairmanship. In the *taz* interview, she expressed that repeated inquiries about her professional future were “inappropriate.”
She added, “When public hunting has started, positive voices are also happy to ignore.” asked if she felt relieved after announcing her departure, Esken responded, “I would call it calmly.I am at peace with myself. But of course there is now also a tension from me.”
“We Have to Bring Twice as Much”
Esken asserted that women face greater challenges in politics than men.”We have to bring twice as much.What the male world expects from politically active women is extremely contradictory and thus unfulfilled.”
Esken also criticized media coverage,citing an instance were an interview with party colleague Bas was interpreted as a lack of support for her. “Ms. Bas was asked in an interview whether she supported lars Klingbeil’s candidacy as a party chairman. She said yes. And was waiting for her to be asked if she was supporting my candidacy,” Esken explained. “The question was not asked. It was made from it: ‘Bas is silent about escaping’.this is a lousy tour.”
Looking ahead, Esken expressed enthusiasm for her involvement in the committee for education, family, seniors, women, and youth. She described Karin Prien from the CDU,the new Minister of Education,as a ”stroke of luck.”
# Saskia Esken’s Exit: A Q&A on teh SPD Leadership Transition
This article explores the departure of saskia Esken from the SPD co-chairmanship, her future plans, and the challenges of being a woman in politics.we’ll delve into her viewpoint, the political climate, and the upcoming leadership changes within the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD).
## Why is saskia Esken stepping down as SPD co-chair?
Saskia Esken announced her withdrawal from the SPD co-chairmanship last Sunday.This decision marks the end of her tenure in the party’s leadership, which began in 2019. The provided text does not explicitly state the reasons for her departure, it only confirms the fact of her exit, though it does allude to internal party dynamics and her desire to avoid ”poisoning” the SPD.
## When did Saskia Esken announce her departure?
Esken announced her withdrawal last Sunday. The exact date isn’t provided, but the article states that the original text was published on May 14, 2025.
## Who is expected to take over after Esken’s departure?
currently, Lars Klingbeil, who serves as Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister in the current government, is vying for the position. Bärbel Bas, the new Minister of Labor, is also in the running. Delegates will vote at a federal party conference at the end of June.
## What is Saskia Esken’s view on her successor?
Esken has described Bärbel Bas as a “girlfriend,” suggesting a close personal relationship and a positive view of her potential successor.
## What has Esken said about publicly criticizing the SPD after her exit?
Esken intends to refrain from publicly criticizing the party’s future leadership. She stated that she will always critically accompany the party, but not “poison the SPD for personal reasons.” She drew a parallel to former SPD chairwoman Andrea Nahles who also took a similar approach after stepping down.
## What kind of challenges do women face in politics, according to Saskia Esken?
Esken asserts that women face greater challenges than men in politics. She stated, *”We have to bring twice as much. What the male world expects from politically active women is extremely contradictory and thus unfulfilled.”*.
## How does Saskia Esken feel after announcing her departure?
When asked if she felt relieved, Esken responded, “I would call it calmly. I am at peace with myself. But of course there is now also a tension from me.”
## How long was Saskia Esken in the SPD leadership?
esken became part of the party’s leadership in 2019.
## Whom did Saskia Esken co-lead the party with, and from when?
From 2021, Esken co-led the party with Lars Klingbeil.
## What criticisms did Saskia Esken face within the SPD?
Esken faced criticism after the SPD’s electoral setback in the Bundestag election. In the *taz* interview, she expressed that repeated inquiries about her professional future were “inappropriate”.
## How does Esken view the new Minister of Education, Karin Prien?
Esken described Karin Prien from the CDU as a ”stroke of luck.”
Here is a concise summary of the key figures and their roles mentioned in the text:
| Name | Role | Party | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saskia Esken | Outgoing Co-chair | SPD | Departing |
| Lars Klingbeil | Vice Chancellor, Finance Minister, & Co-chair; | SPD | Vying for Co-chair |
| Bärbel Bas | Minister of Labor | SPD | Vying for Co-chair |
| Karin Prien | Minister of Education | CDU | Current |
| Andrea Nahles | Former SPD Chairwoman | SPD | Former |