According to SPD Chairman Lars Klingbeil, the party has lost its traditional role as the workers’ party. In an interview with the “Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland” Klingbeil stated that the character of the party as one that is there for people who demonstrate achievements in their job, family, or even in voluntary work has disappeared. He emphasized that the people need to see that the SPD is concerned with their interests once again.
Klingbeil expressed frustration with the perception that the SPD only focuses on the citizen’s allowance. He stressed that this impression needs to be addressed. The party’s election result of 16.4 percent was described as catastrophic. However, Klingbeil asserted that the SPD remains a people’s party. He emphasized that it is a matter of attitude rather than just a percentage. “We want to bring our society together, build bridges and see the country as a whole.”
The SPD Chairman assured that the social democrats will do everything in the current black-red coalition government to ensure job security and get the economy back on track, which is their top priority. When asked if he plans to run for the SPD’s chancellor candidacy in the next federal election, Klingbeil replied that it is not the right time to think about the next federal election.