SPD goes into the European elections with Thomas Rieke as lead candidate
The SPD in Saxony-Anhalt is entering the 2024 European elections with Thomas Rieke from Magdeburg as its lead candidate. This was decided by a meeting of state representatives of the Social Democrats on Friday evening in Bernburg (Salzlandkreis), a spokesperson for the party told the German Press Agency. Rieke received 54 votes, while his opponent Lukas Kiehne received 34 votes. There was one abstention.
Rieke currently works in the Ministry of Science and the Environment; the 54-year-old previously worked in the Saxony-Anhalt state representation in Brussels, among other things. Within the SPD, Rieke is chairman of the state's European Affairs Committee. Saxony-Anhalt should move up into the premier league of European regions, he explained. To achieve this, the economy needs the appropriate support. Rieke's place on the SPD's national list is still open.
Lukas Kiehne from Magdeburg ran against Rieke. The 27-year-old is the SPD state parliamentary group's advisor for Europe, Economy, Justice, Consumer Protection, Federal Affairs and Media. Kiehne was elected as a substitute candidate.
During the European elections in 2024, both personal details and party affiliations will be essential for voters, as they consider their choices between candidates such as Thomas Rieke and Lukas Kiehne. Regarding the SPD's choice of lead candidate in Saxony-Anhalt, the upcoming elections will coincide with debates on various economic policies, including supporting the region's economy, which is a key focus for lead candidate Thomas Rieke.
Source: www.dpa.com
