Heil keeps the door open

Former federal labour minister Hubertus Heil said he cannot rule out standing for the SPD chairmanship. Speaking to ARD's 'Bericht aus Berlin' on Sunday, 18 October, he said he was receiving many encouragements from within the party to run, but that this alone would not be decisive. He made a candidacy dependent on the direction the SPD sets in the coming weeks and on who makes up the team.

“I cannot rule out that I will run.”

Heil said one person alone would not manage the large tasks ahead. He framed the question as more than a matter of posts, arguing that the SPD must take responsibility for social cohesion and a strong democracy, be ready for compromise, and make clear what its long-term goals are. He also said he did not want to set himself against the black-red federal government of CDU/CSU and SPD, which in his words must not fail and must deliver.

Leadership race ahead of a January congress

Co-chair Bärbel Bas unexpectedly announced her resignation in the week of 12 October. The SPD will elect a new leadership at a special party congress in January. Current chair Lars Klingbeil, who is also federal finance minister and vice chancellor, has not yet said whether he will stand again. SPD parliamentary group leader Matthias Miersch and defence minister Boris Pistorius have both spoken in favour of re-electing Klingbeil. Heil, Klingbeil, Miersch and Pistorius all come from Lower Saxony.

Berlin coalition doubts

Heil also addressed talks on a possible red-green-red coalition in Berlin, saying he had considerable doubts whether the Berlin Left party was able and willing to govern. Before the SPD takes government responsibility in Berlin, he said, several issues need clarifying, including drawing a line under antisemitism from both the right and the left and a clear commitment to internal security in the capital. Coalitions would only be possible if that happens, with whomever that may be. In the Berlin House of Representatives election on 20 September, Die Linke won 25.7% and was by far the strongest force. Attempts are now under way to form a red-green-red government in the capital.

Tax disputes and Heil's record

Chancellor Friedrich Merz had called for the electricity tax to be lowered. CSU leader Markus Söder insisted on Sunday on a tax offset for cold progression, under which tax rates would be adjusted for inflation-driven increases such as pay rises. Finance minister Klingbeil considers both demands difficult given the tight budget. Heil warned coalition partners not to use 'bold announcements' to score points. He served as federal labour minister from 2018 to 2025, a period in which social benefits were significantly expanded and the Bürgergeld was introduced, since converted into a basic security scheme (Grundsicherung).