Bärbel Bas announces resignation as German labour minister and SPD co-leader

Bärbel Bas announced on October 12 that she was stepping down as co-leader of Germany’s Social Democratic Party and had asked Chancellor Friedrich Merz to release her from her post as labour and social affairs minister.

In a statement circulated by the SPD leadership, Bas said she had informed fellow party leader and Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil that she was relinquishing the party position with immediate effect.

German public broadcaster ARD reported that Bas cited the death of her stepdaughter and her need for time to grieve. She also criticised public attacks against her during that period, including attacks from within the coalition partner.

Her announcement concerns two separate positions: leadership of the SPD and a ministerial office in the federal government. RIA Novosti also reported her request to Merz, quoting the statement she addressed to the party.