SPD wants more social cohesion
The Rhineland-Palatinate SPD is clearly distancing itself from the AfD ahead of its state party conference this Saturday. In times of crises and wars, the party is focusing on social cohesion and Europe. "Starting with the pandemic, all the crises, wars and global challenges - that's a huge burden for people," said state chairman Roger Lewentz in Mainz on Friday. "It's time to give people the feeling that we're sticking together." The party conference and the title of the main motion are accordingly under the motto "Against egoism. Strengthen cohesion".
Another initiative motion is about a clear positioning of the SPD as a "bulwark against the right". Lewentz emphasized that there would be no cooperation with the AfD in Rhineland-Palatinate. "We are politically hostile to the AfD."
The 60-year-old wants to run for the last time as state chairman and present a successor by 2025 at the latest. Under discussion are Social Affairs and Labor Minister Alexander Schweitzer and Interior Minister Michael Ebling, as well as parliamentary group leader Sabine Bätzing-Lichtenthäler.
"I want us to work together to organize my successor," said Lewentz. "I would be delighted if we could give the succession another decade." Lewentz has been at the helm of the governing party since 2012; Kurt Beck previously held the post from 1993 to 2012. In his last election, 89.3 percent of delegates voted for Lewentz.
According to General Secretary Marc Ruland, 332 delegates are expected to attend the ordinary state party conference. At the same time, 200 delegates will be attending the state representative assembly for Europe. As some Social Democrats are delegates at both party conferences, a total of more than 400 people are expected to attend.
The SPD's lead candidate and Vice-President of the European Parliament, Katarina Barley, will give a welcome address. In addition, four candidates will be elected for the federal list for the European elections. Daniel Stich, former Secretary General and currently Ministerial Director in the Ministry of Health, and MEP Karsten Lucke will be competing for the top spot.
The SPD in Rhineland-Palatinate is promoting unity and social cohesion as they distance themselves from the AfD, with their state chairman Roger Lewentz emphasizing the need for people to feel united. In light of the AfD's position, the SPD also aims to present itself as a "bulwark against the right."
Source: www.dpa.com
