Politics · Germany · 59 mins ago
Hubertus Heil leaves open a bid for SPD leadership
Former labour minister Hubertus Heil has not ruled out running for SPD leader as Germany’s Social Democrats seek new leadership.
The vacancy follows co-leader Bärbel Bas’s resignation, and the party plans to elect its leaders at a special convention in January, according to one account.
Heil says his decision depends on the SPD’s political direction and who would be on the leadership team.
Current leader Lars Klingbeil has not said whether he will run again.
Heil says the SPD should take responsibility in government, accept compromises and make the party’s long-term goals clear.
He also says the current coalition government must deliver and must not fail.
The next step is for SPD members to discuss the party’s direction before its leadership election.
Former German labour minister Hubertus Heil has not ruled out running for the SPD leadership at a special party conference in January.
He said his decision would depend on the party’s political direction and who would be part of the team.
Heil said he was not seeking to distinguish himself from current SPD leader Lars Klingbeil.
He said the SPD must take responsibility and be willing to compromise, and that the governing coalition must deliver.
The SPD is preparing to choose new leadership after co-leader Bärbel Bas resigned.
- Who
- Hubertus Heil, a former German labour minister and SPD politician.
- What
- He has not ruled out running for SPD leader at a special party conference.
- When
- Heil spoke on Sunday, October 18, 2026. The conference is planned for January.
- Where
- Heil spoke on the ARD television programme Bericht aus Berlin.
- Why
- He said his decision depends on the SPD’s political direction and who would be on the team.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The SPD began seeking new leadership.
Heil said on ARD that he could not rule out running for SPD leader.
The SPD is due to hold a special party conference and choose new leadership.
- Potential candidate
- Hubertus Heil
- Current SPD leader
- Lars Klingbeil
- Party conference
- Special conference planned for January
- Leadership change
- Bärbel Bas resigned as co-leader
- Heil’s condition
- The SPD’s political direction and the team
4 sources
What people are saying
I cannot rule out that I will run.
This government must not fail; it must deliver.
One person alone will not manage it, because the tasks are great.
I have considerable doubts about whether the Berlin Left Party is capable of governing and willing to govern.