In the lead-up to the SPD’s new foundational program, the party’s parliamentary group’s economic policy spokesperson, Sebastian Roloff, anticipates challenging debates within the party. “It is crucial to lead the process throughout the entire breadth of the party, seriously incorporating the suggestions of the base, science and civil society and not sparing controversial topics” Roloff told the Handelsblatt. “The debates will undoubtedly be difficult, given our government participation, but we must take the time and not let ourselves be swayed by our coalition partner or other political actors.”
Meanwhile, SPD Bundestag member Ralf Stegner is calling for a return to the party’s social democratic roots in the wake of its disappointing performance in the recent federal election. “The SPD has always shown strength when it has understood its fundamental values of freedom, justice and solidarity, as well as peace and democracy, as the standard and compass for just and practical visions of the future” Stegner said.
Looking ahead to a new SPD foundational program and the 2029 federal election, Stegner believes it is necessary to sharpen the social profile of his party. This, he said, includes securing and further developing the solidary social state, shaping the necessary climate-neutral transformation of the industrial society in a socially acceptable way and significantly improving life chances and distribution of fairness in education and financial policies.