Bundesarbeitsministerin Bärbel Bas has hinted at her interest in running for the SPD presidency alongside party chief Lars Klingbeil. “I have not excluded the presidency of the party, but so far both chairpersons are still in office” Bas said to the newspapers of the Funke Media Group (Saturday editions). “Lars Klingbeil has announced that he wants to continue. Saskia Esken has not yet spoken, so it is not appropriate to speculate at this point.” Esken is currently controversial within the party. After not receiving cabinet positions during the party’s leadership, she may consider stepping down from the SPD presidency.
When asked what she would tell Klingbeil if he were to ask her about her interest in the position, Bas replied: “He hasn’t asked me yet.” The Social Democrat from North Rhine-Westphalia added, “For now, I want to establish myself as the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs.”
Taking on this “fantastic ministry” in the new black-red federal government was always Bas’ “heartfelt desire.” She explained, “Hard-working people who are struggling to make ends meet need support. The state must help those who are not doing so well.”
The SPD politician referred to her own biography: “I come from a family in the Ruhr area that had to rely on social welfare because their income was not enough. This has shaped me. The fact that I now hold a position where I can make a significant difference for these people is a great honor and responsibility, one that I hold in high regard.