Bärbel Bas, a senior figure in Germany’s Social Democratic Party (SPD), resigned from her positions as labor minister and party co-chair on Monday. The announcement comes amid growing friction between the SPD and Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) within the current governing coalition.
Bas, 58, stated that she was unable to continue her duties on short notice due to a combination of personal loss and political hostility. She cited the recent death of her stepdaughter alongside what she described as “open attacks” from within her own coalition partners.
“I am currently unable to muster the strength to fully carry out my government and party duties on short notice, I have decided to step down from both offices,” Bas said during a press conference at the Willy-Brandt-Haus.
The resignation marks a significant disruption for the SPD as it navigates an increasingly strained partnership with the CDU. Bas had been a prominent leader within the party, and her departure leaves a vacancy in both the federal cabinet and the social democratic leadership.
This resignation exposes the deep cracks in the coalition. How will Merz handle policy without a key SPD partner?
Heartbreaking to hear about her stepdaughter’s death. No politician should endure that while also facing political hostility.