A senior official in the German government, Health Minister Karl Lauterbach of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), has expressed dismay over the party’s poor performance in the recent federal election. “The election result is a catastrophe” he stated in an interview with the German news magazine “Spiegel”. “It’s really a historic loss, a historic defeat.”
The SPD secured 16.4 percent of the votes, its worst result since the founding of the Federal Republic of Germany. Lauterbach attributed the poor showing to a lack of understanding within the party. “This is a turning point for the SPD. Now, the reckoning must take place” he said, adding that the process would be a long one.
Lauterbach also indicated that a continuation of the current party leadership would not be automatic, stating, “I know no one in the party leadership who would think of a ‘business as usual’ approach.” He emphasized the need for a thorough examination of what works and what does not, before considering any potential government participation.