"Lost compass": Jusos demand resignation of Binder - SPD youth wing demands resignation of new leader after historic election defeat
The SPD's youth wing, the Jusos, has called for the resignation of newly elected parliamentary leader Sascha Binder. His appointment came just a day after the party suffered its worst-ever result in Baden-Württemberg's state election. The Jusos argue that Binder shares responsibility for the SPD's sharp decline to just 5.5% of the vote.
Binder, a long-serving lawmaker from Geislingen an der Steige, took over as group leader on Tuesday after Andreas Stoch stepped down on election night. The SPD's poor showing left it with only ten seats in the 157-member parliament, making it the smallest opposition group. The Greens narrowly won the election with 30.2%, while the CDU secured 29.7% and the AfD surged to 18.8%.
The Jusos criticised Binder's role as campaign manager, blaming him for the party's collapse. They also pointed to his past criticism of SPD co-leader Saskia Esken after the 2025 federal election, calling his current self-promotion hypocritical. Their demands include structural reforms, such as a 50% minimum for women in leadership roles, and a 'credible fresh start' without Binder. Before his election, the Jusos proposed an 'interim chairmanship' model, suggesting Binder serve for just one year before stepping aside. He rejected the idea outright. The youth wing now insists his leadership lacks legitimacy after such a heavy defeat. Binder had previously held key roles, including parliamentary manager for the SPD group and state general secretary. His election as leader was unanimous, but the Jusos remain defiant, pushing for his immediate resignation.
The SPD now faces internal divisions as it adjusts to its weakened position in the state parliament. The Jusos continue to pressure Binder, while the party must address its electoral decline. With the AfD nearly doubling its seats and the SPD reduced to a minor opposition force, the political landscape in Baden-Württemberg has shifted dramatically.
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