SPD grassroots letter blames Bärbel Bas and Lars Klingbeil for party decline

Local SPD officials in Bielefeld issued a two‑page open letter accusing party chair Bärbel Bas and co‑leader Lars Klingbeil of shared responsibility for the Social Democratic Party’s electoral slump. The letter, signed by sub‑district chairman Markus Kollmeier, urges the leaders to choose between party leadership and ministerial duties, arguing that the two roles require distinct focus.

The criticism lists several policy decisions the authors deem socially unbalanced and illegitimate, including higher co‑payments for dental prostheses, increased burdens from a health‑insurance reform, threats to psychotherapy services, and a proposed requirement for a sick note from day one of illness. The writers warn that these measures affect everyday citizens. The letter comes as polls show the SPD falling further behind and ahead of state elections in Saxony‑Anhalt scheduled for September, heightening internal pressure on the party’s national leadership.