Within the top ranks of the SPD there are reservations about a potential bid for the presidency by family minister Karin Prien of the CDU.
Deputy chair Serpil Midyatli told the “Tagesspiegel” that, while she believes it is long overdue for a woman to hold this highest office, she cannot envision Prien as president. “I find Prien’s political style rather divisive. At a time when we need stability and guidance that can bring society together, she doesn’t fit the bill” Midyatli said.
Deputy chair Achim Post also spoke to the “Tagesspiegel”. He expressed confidence that the coalition will present a widely supported candidate to succeed the current, respected president. Post added that he would personally welcome it if the Federal Assembly elected a woman into the top office, describing such a choice as “more than adequate”.
MP Ralf Stegner focused on Prien’s push to end husband‑wife splitting. He told the “Tagesspiegel” that if the education minister could enforce that stance within the party, it would signal broader political prospects for Prien. He suggested that internal party success in that area could become a “clashing point for further political horizons” for the minister.