SPD grapples with internal dissent and split over expropriation demand

The German Social Democratic Party (SPD) is confronting multiple internal challenges. A brand‑letter from the SPD sub‑district of Groß‑Gerau in Hesse called for a binding members’ vote on the party leadership, criticizing party chairs Lars Klingbeil and Bärbel Bas and demanding a shift toward a more participatory structure.

At the same time, SPD Generalsekretär Tim Klüssendorf is on a demanding campaign tour in Saxony‑Anhalt, trying to revive the party’s fortunes ahead of a crucial state election.

In Berlin, SPD Spitzenkandidat Steffen Krach has drawn a firm line against any coalition with the Left (Die Linke) that includes the expropriation of large housing companies as a condition for government participation. Krach called the Left’s proposal “populist” and reiterated the SPD’s opposition to forced property seizures, while the Left’s federal chair Ines Schwerdtner insists on the policy as a non‑negotiable demand. These disputes highlight growing tensions within the SPD over leadership, campaign strategy, and coalition policy ahead of upcoming elections.