Former SPD Parliamentary Group Leader Calls for Clear Programmatic Consequences in Wake of Election Defeat
In the aftermath of the recent federal election, former SPD parliamentary group leader Rolf Mützenich has urged the party to draw clear programmatic conclusions from its historic defeat.
Mützenich, a long-time social democrat, expressed concerns about the party’s precarious position, losing votes to both the Left Party and the far-right AfD. “We are in a sandwich position, losing to the Left and the AfD. This is dangerous and we need answers” he told the German magazine Stern. The former SPD faction leader suggested that the party’s program may no longer be on the cutting edge of modern times, urging a re-examination of its principles.
At the upcoming party convention, Mützenich emphasized the need for clear, programmatic decisions, as well as organizational reforms. He pointed out that local party branches, in some cases, are outdated and mobilizing the party’s base is a significant challenge. The veteran social democrat drew parallels with the SPD’s programmatic process in the 1970s, when the party adopted a new foundational program after a comprehensive debate involving not only party members but also trade unions, intellectuals and artists.
Mützenich expressed a desire to see a similar debate in the party, one that would focus on social policy in times of great change, not just within the party’s closed circles, but by engaging with the broader public. “I would welcome a debate on a social policy for times of great upheaval. Not in enclosed rooms, but as we did in the 1970s with the orientation framework, which ultimately led to a new foundational program” he said.