Berlin SPD leader Raed Saleh steps down after historic election loss

Following a historic collapse of the Berlin SPD in the latest state election, long-time faction leader Raed Saleh declared he will not stand for another term as head of the parliamentary group, a role he has occupied since 2011. Saleh said voters no longer see the party as competent or trustworthy, and that continuing unchanged would lead to further marginalisation. He accepted part of the blame for the campaign, even though he was not the lead candidate, and warned that new leadership is needed.

The election outcome left the SPD behind the Left, CDU, AfD and Greens, delivering the party's worst showing ever in a Berlin legislature. Saleh, who previously vied unsuccessfully for the mayoralty and co-led the Berlin SPD state association with Franziska Giffey, also faced past scrutiny over controversial contacts.