Bärbel Bas is stepping down as Germany’s federal labour minister and as co-leader of the Social Democratic Party (SPD). Alexander Schweitzer, the former premier of Rhineland-Palatinate, is expected to succeed her at the ministry.
Bas cited personal grief and mounting political attacks, including criticism from within the governing coalition, according to reports on Monday. Her departure comes as the government faces difficult negotiations over pension policy, labour-market rules and social benefits.
The change adds uncertainty to the coalition’s reform agenda. The SPD will also need to determine how to reorganise its leadership following Bas’s departure from the party’s co-chair position.
Illustrative image: Yannic Kreß / Unsplash. The photo does not depict Bärbel Bas.
