Germany's CDU/SPD Coalition Survives Ministerial Resignation of Bärbel Bas

German Federal Labour Minister and SPD co-chair Bärbel Bas announced her resignation Monday morning, citing the death of her stepdaughter and political attacks she described as coming even from coalition partner ranks. Her departure adds to the deep strains already plaguing the CDU/CSU–SPD coalition.

The Resignation

In a personal statement to her party, Bas wrote: \“After the death of my stepdaughter, I realized I need time to process the grief.\” She also cited pressure from within the coalition itself. Critics in the CDU had publicly called for her resignation for months, accusing her of blocking pension reform legislation.

Coalition Reaction

SPD co-leader Lars Klingbeil called the political attacks against Bas \“indecent\” and described the coalition atmosphere as \“poisoned.\” Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he always engaged with Bas only on policy matters and confirmed Alexander Schweitzer — until recently SPD Minister-President of Rhineland-Palatinate — as her successor.

CDU Repositioning

Separately, the CDU leadership met in Berlin over the weekend for a retreat after dismal regional election results. The party shifted its messaging toward social issues such as affordable housing, lower electricity prices, and better healthcare — a move analysts say signals the CDU moderating its economic-first approach under public pressure.

Both party leaders ruled out early elections, noting that snap polls would most likely benefit the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).