Klingbeil as the new SPD leader? Possible candidate drops out of the race and gives him backing

Who should head the SPD in the future?

The previous Secretary General Lars Klingbeil is in discussion.

And now expressed himself.

Update from November 3, 4.40 p.m

.: Lars Klingbeil is open to the office of SPD party chairmanship (

). The deputy SPD chairman Serpil Midyatli can also imagine Klingbeil as the new party chairman. "Lars Klingbeil really rocked the federal election campaign as General Secretary," said the 46-year-old to the

, referring to the successor to the previous party chairman Norbert Walter-Borjans. Klingbeil put in a “super campaign” and would be “certainly a good chairman”.

On the other hand, Midyatli rejected her own candidacy for the party chairmanship: "I will run again for the party leadership, but as deputy federal chairman."

On Monday (November 8th) the SPD leadership wants to discuss the composition of the future party presidium.

Klingbeil is open to SPD party leadership - and wants to stick to tried and tested means

First report from November 3rd

: Berlin - who will succeed SPD leader Norbert Walter-Borjans? After his withdrawal announcement, the SPD wants to quickly decide on the new party leadership *. One name is often mentioned: that of the previous SPD General Secretary Lars Klingbeil. The social democrat has already shown himself to be open to assuming the party chairmanship. However, without specifically announcing an application. Co-party leader Saskia Esken has not yet * commented on her political ambitions.

"I am very honored that my name is mentioned for the role of the SPD chairman," said Klingbeil to the

.

"The chairmanship is a very important, traditional and attractive office in which you can achieve a lot," he replied when asked whether it would be more attractive for him to become party leader or to take on a ministerial office.

SPD: Klingbeil open to party leadership - and wants to stick to tried and tested means

Klingbeil did not respond to the ministerial option.

He also emphasized that it was important for him to work in a team, as in the past two years: That made the SPD strong and successful again. "The SPD * has the chance to position itself as a" modern and well-positioned people's party in the long term ".

That is not done with a successful federal election.

The general secretary would like to hold on to the dual leadership of the SPD.

“The dual leadership has proven itself,” he said.

“When we introduced it as a possibility, the SPD was in a completely different position than it is today.

Two chairmen who work in a team are good for the SPD. ”Klingbeil also thinks it makes sense if the future chairmen do not hold a ministerial office at the same time.

"In principle, it is not mutually exclusive to be the SPD chairman and have a ministerial office," he said.

That was also the case in the past.

“Nevertheless, we have to ask ourselves: what is the current situation?

The SPD is joining a new government

with Chancellor Olaf Scholz, "he said, adding:" The party requires a lot of attention. "

List of rubric lists: © Christophe Gateau / dpa