Germany’s SPD is experiencing a potential historic crisis, losing voters to the right-wing populist AfD following poor recent election results in two states.
SPD in Deep Crisis Following Election Losses
The AfD is attracting voters from the SPD, placing German Social Democrats in a significant crisis, according to a report in the German newspaper *Sueddeutsche Zeitung* analyzing the results of March elections to two state legislatures.
The SPD may be facing the biggest crisis in its history, with its traditional working-class base increasingly voting for the right-wing populist Alternative for Germany (AfD).
No Immediate Leadership Challenge
Despite the poor results, there are currently no official calls from leading SPD politicians for the resignation of party co-leaders, Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil and Labor Minister Baerbel Bas.
However, the newspaper notes that this is largely due to a perceived lack of viable alternatives.
Internal Doubts Over Leadership
At the grassroots level within the SPD, the party leadership is being questioned, a situation described as “the Klingbeil question.”
Some within the party would prefer popular Defense Minister Boris Pistorius to take over as Vice Chancellor, but he is reportedly reluctant to assume the role.
Klingbeil’s Ambitions
Klingbeil has indicated his intention to remain as party leader, Vice Chancellor, and Finance Minister, and is scheduled to deliver a keynote speech titled “How We Will Modernize Germany?” on Wednesday.
*Sueddeutsche Zeitung* questions how a weakened Vice Chancellor intends to push through reforms that many will find painful.
Historic Lows and Shrinking Support
The *Sueddeutsche Zeitung* assesses that the SPD may be in the deepest crisis in its 163-year history, particularly after Sunday’s election results.
Recent polls show the SPD’s national support at just 12 percent in some cases, leading the newspaper to state that the party is “shrinking” and “must be careful not to disappear completely.”
Broader Issues Facing the SPD
Problems facing the SPD are not solely personnel-related; 54 percent of voters believe SPD policies are harmful to the country, and the AfD is now leading among workers.
Additionally, 60 percent of respondents believe the SPD primarily caters to those receiving social benefits.
State Election Defeats
Following Sunday’s state election in Rhineland-Palatinate, the Social Democrats will be forced to relinquish the office of state premier after 35 years.
They received 25.9 percent of the vote, the worst result for the party in that state in history. This follows a disappointing result in Baden-Württemberg earlier in March (5.5 percent), marking a second significant electoral blow for the SPD this year.
