Klingbeil as Vice Chancellor: SPD relies on generation change in the cabinet!

Klingbeil as Vice Chancellor: SPD relies on generation change in the cabinet!

Deutschland - On May 1, 2025, the SPD under the direction of Lars Klingbeil took decisive steps to form a new federal government. Klingbeil are only available for a few days to award the ministerial posts for his party with a clear focus on a change of generation. It is planned to bring experienced members and younger talents together to bring a breath of fresh air to the party leadership. Lars Klingbeil is planned as Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister, while Boris Pistorius is expected to take over the office of Minister of Defense. A total of five ministerial posts are still open and the parliamentary group needs a new chairman.

Klingbeil underlines the importance of a stable and independent role of the SPD parliamentary group in the upcoming legislative period. He emphasizes that the SPD does not only want to go to the government as a watchdog, but wants to actively influence. Despite these positive developments, there is increasing criticism of the co-party leader Saskia Esken internally, especially from the ranks of Brandenburg's SPD general secretary Kurt Fischer, who does not see Esken in any leading function. The decision of the Baden-Württemberg State Association received special attention, not to nominate for the federal executive board, which fuels the discussions about their future role.

criticism and support within the SPD

ESKE could nevertheless experience a nomination by the federal board or run at a party congress. While she secures support from the left party wing and the SPD women, the party leadership will be re-elected in June. This situation creates an exciting climate within the party, which could possibly have an impact on the future political orientation of the SPD.

In another important step, a majority of the SPD members voted for an alliance with the CDU and CSU. Lars Klingbeil has promoted the approval of the coalition agreement, which is now available for signing. A ten -day coordination among the members led to a clear result: 84.5 percent of the participating members voted for the coalition agreement, with a total of 56 percent of all members participating in the vote. A valid participation must only be 20 percent in the SPD.

Details for government formation

The result of the vote shows a high level of consent, even if participation was less than 56 percent less than before to previous votes. For comparison: 75.96 percent in 2013 and in 2018 66.02 percent voted for similar contracts. This year's coordination took place for the first time primarily digitally, which enabled a broader participation, especially among younger members, while a physical coordination was also offered for older members.

The SPD will occupy seven ministries in the new government, which includes the Ministry of Justice in addition to the defense. The minister's personal details will be announced on Monday and the coalition agreement is also to be signed on the day. The election of the Federal Chancellor in the German Bundestag is planned for Tuesday, which marks the preliminary conclusion of government formation.