# SPD leadership faces growing internal and coalition pressure > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/spd-internal-push-against-dual-roles > Updated: 2026-09-13T06:50:30.000Z. Sources: 65. Developments: 9. In late July 2026, the SPD local branch in Bielefeld issued an open letter criticizing party chair Bärbel Bas and co-leader Lars Klingbeil for the party’s electoral slump and for policy measures such as higher dental-prosthesis co-payments, health-insurance reforms, threats to psychotherapy services, and a new sick-note requirement. The letter urged the leaders to choose between party leadership and ministerial duties, arguing that the two roles require distinct focus. Five days later the branch sent a follow-up “Brandbrief” reiterating the demand for Bas and Klingbeil to relinquish one of their dual positions, citing the statutory health-insurance reform as an example of flawed policy and warning that holding high-level party and government offices simultaneously erodes the SPD’s credibility. Local party chief Markus Kollmeier stated, “Both roles cannot be exercised simultaneously; it does not meet the requirements of governmental responsibility nor the expectations of a strong, independent Social Democracy.” On 30 July, SPD parliamentary group leader Matthias Miersch rejected the Bielefeld call, stating the party is well-positioned, that dual roles have a long tradition and can bring advantages, and that no personnel change was necessary. By mid-August 2026, internal pressure intensified. The SPD Migration and Diversity Working Group, led by Mehria Ashuftah and Orkan Özdemir, called for an extraordinary federal party congress in autumn 2026 to restructure leadership, describing a “deep crisis of trust.” Juso leader Philipp Türmer warned of a potential “basis uprising” or “revolution” to protect the “social democratic soul,” even as leadership secured concessions from Chancellor Friedrich Merz regarding debt and pensions. On 16 August, Lars Klingbeil responded to the unrest by calling for internal unity. Amidst national polling dropping to approximately 12 percent, Klingbeil has advocated for the current government course, emphasizing the necessity of compromise regarding health, pensions, and taxation. ## Claims - The SPD's national polling numbers have fallen to approximately 12 percent. (disputed by 4 sources) - The SPD Unterbezirk Bielefeld sent an open letter (Brandbrief) to Bärbel Bas and Lars Klingbeil. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Bärbel Bas holds the federal position of Minister of Labour and Social Affairs while serving as SPD co‑chair. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Lars Klingbeil holds the federal position of Minister of Finance while serving as SPD co‑chair. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Markus Kollmeier said, “Both roles cannot be exercised simultaneously; it does not meet the requirements of governmental responsibility nor the expectations of a strong, independent Social Democracy.” (corroborated by 6 sources) - The letter cites the reform of the statutory health‑insurance system as an example of policy decisions the SPD supported that the Bielefeld base views as politically and technically flawed. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The Bielefeld branch says many people are “rightly disappointed” and that trust in the SPD is being “wasted irresponsibly.” (corroborated by 6 sources) - Matthias Miersch said there is no need for a personnel change in the SPD. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Miersch said the discussion about dual roles of party chairs holding ministerial posts has existed for a long time in the SPD. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Miersch expressed hope that recent CDU criticism of Chancellor and party leader Friedrich Merz’s personnel decisions will not cause further unrest. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Miersch believes that the recent personnel decisions will bring more stability to the governing coalition. (corroborated by 6 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-13: SPD rejects CDU demand for Social Minister Bärbel Bas to resign German SPD leader Lars Klingbeil has strongly rejected a CDU politician's demand for Social Minister Bärbel Bas to resign, citing her alleged role in blocking social reforms. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spd-rejects-cdu-demand-for-social-minister-brbel-bas-to-resign ### 2026-09-02: SPD regional branches in Schleswig-Holstein demand policy course correction Four SPD regional associations in Schleswig-Holstein have issued an open letter demanding a course correction from the federal government, citing concerns over social reforms and eroding party values. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spd-regional-branches-in-schleswig-holstein-demand-policy-course-correction ### 2026-08-18: Lars Klingbeil rejects calls for SPD leadership change SPD leader Lars Klingbeil has rejected calls for a leadership change or radical course shift, urging the party to focus on citizens' concerns despite low polling numbers. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lars-klingbeil-rejects-calls-for-spd-leadership-change ### 2026-08-16: SPD leadership faces internal pressure amid low polling The SPD faces internal turmoil and low polling (12%) as members demand leadership changes and a course correction. Lars Klingbeil defends the current direction, while Manuela Schwesig rejects chairmanship bids. 21 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lars-klingbeil-defends-spd-government-course-amid-low-polls ### 2026-08-14: SPD leadership faces calls for removal amid internal party unrest The German SPD faces internal revolt as members demand the removal of leaders Bärbel Bas and Lars Klingbeil, citing dissatisfaction with recent political compromises and party direction. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spd-leadership-faces-calls-for-removal-amid-internal-party-unrest ### 2026-08-10: SPD leadership faces pressure for special party congress The SPD's Migration and Diversity Working Group is calling for a special party congress this autumn to replace the current leadership, citing a crisis of trust and declining poll numbers. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spd-leaders-call-for-extraordinary-party-congress-to-restructure-leadership ### 2026-07-30: SPD Fraktionschef Matthias Miersch Rejects Calls for Leadership Change SPD leader Matthias Miersch says no personnel change is needed, defends dual roles of chairs Lars Klingbeil and Bärbel Bas, and hopes recent CDU criticism of Friedrich Merz’s decisions won’t destabilise the co‑ 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nrw-justice-minister-benjamin-limbach-faces-spd-call-for-dismissal ### 2026-07-30: SPD Leaders Bärbel Bas and Lars Klingbeil Pressed to Drop Dual Party and Ministerial Roles SPD Bielefeld branch urges co‑chairs Bärbel Bas and Lars Klingbeil to quit either their party leadership or ministerial posts, citing incompatibility and recent policy missteps. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spd-leaders-brbel-bas-and-lars-klingbeil-pressed-to-drop-dual-party-and-ministerial-roles ### 2026-07-25: SPD grassroots letter blames Bärbel Bas and Lars Klingbeil for party decline SPD members in Bielefeld sent an open letter blaming Bärbel Bas and Lars Klingbeil for the party’s decline, citing policy missteps and urging them to separate party and minister roles before September state‑e e 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spd-grassroots-letter-blames-brbel-bas-and-lars-klingbeil-for-party-decline --- Cite as: SPD leadership faces growing internal and coalition pressure. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/spd-internal-push-against-dual-roles