A leading figure in the Social Democratic Party (SPD), Saskia Esken, is expected to take a prominent role in potential soundings and coalition negotiations with the Christian Democratic Union (CDU)/Christian Social Union (CSU).
According to a party spokesperson, speaking to the “Tagesspiegel”, “soundings and coalitions are negotiated by parties, so it is natural that party chairpersons lead the delegation in these talks.” When asked if Esken aimed to become a minister or the vice-president of the German Bundestag, the spokesperson avoided a direct answer, stating it is “good tradition and custom for government positions to be agreed upon at the conclusion of coalition negotiations.”
Some SPD politicians have recently called for Esken’s withdrawal. In SPD circles, it is said that Esken is seeking to become the vice-president of the German Bundestag. German Bundestag President Bärbel Bas (SPD) must step down as the CDU is set to become the strongest faction in the new Bundestag. Bas will not take the vice-president position, but the SPD may be entitled to the role of vice-president of the German Bundestag.