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Saskia Esken Resigns, SPD Shifts Right Amid Voter Discontent

5/31/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Saskia Esken's resignation as co-chair of Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD) signals a retreat from its fleeting leftward turn. Under fire for disappointing election results and facing gendered criticism, she steps aside as the SPD shifts closer to the conservative CDU. Meanwhile, disillusioned voters are increasingly turning to alternatives like Die Linke, deepening the party's struggles.

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Story summary

Saskia Esken's resignation as co-chair of Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD) signals a retreat from its fleeting leftward turn. Under fire for disappointing election results and facing gendered criticism, she steps aside as the SPD shifts closer to the conservative CDU. Meanwhile, disillusioned voters are increasingly turning to alternatives like Die Linke, deepening the party's struggles.