Leadership Shakeup in Berlin SPD: Party Faces Crisis Ahead of 2026 Election

The Berlin branch of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) is experiencing significant upheaval following the resignation of its co-chairs, Nicola Böcker-Giannini and Martin Hikel. The pair announced their decision to step down by the end of the month, less than two years after assuming leadership. Their departure comes amidst internal divisions, declining support, and challenging poll numbers, creating a period of uncertainty for the party as it prepares for the state election in September 2026.

Böcker-Giannini and Hikel cited insufficient backing from within the party as a key reason for their resignation. Both faced setbacks in recent internal party votes: Böcker-Giannini did not secure a spot on her district's candidate list for the upcoming parliamentary election, while Hikel received a diminished mandate in his bid for renomination as district mayor. These developments reflect broader discontent within the party's ranks and a lack of consensus on leadership direction.

In response to the leadership vacuum, the SPD's executive committee has unanimously recommended Steffen Krach as the new party head. Krach, currently serving as the president of the Hanover region, was recently chosen as the SPD's lead candidate for the 2026 Berlin state election. His formal appointment is expected at an upcoming party congress, initially slated to finalize the election platform. Krach is viewed as a figure who could potentially unify the divided party and revitalize its prospects.

The current crisis is underscored by the SPD's standing in opinion polls, where the party trails behind the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), the Left, and, at times, the Greens and Alternative for Germany (AfD). Support for the SPD in Berlin has dropped to between 13 and 16 percent, raising concerns about its ability to remain a significant political force in the city.

In a communication to party members, Böcker-Giannini and Hikel highlighted their efforts to promote internal reform and foster cooperation between different factions. However, they noted that persistent resistance from some party officials hindered their attempts to implement change. The outgoing leaders attributed their decision to the inability to deliver on promised reforms and to the lack of endorsement from key party structures.

The SPD in Berlin has historically been characterized by competition between centrist and left-leaning elements. Böcker-Giannini and Hikel, representing a more centrist approach, struggled to secure majority support in the party's leadership bodies, which are predominantly influenced by left-wing members. Their tenure was marked by ongoing challenges in aligning the party's direction and navigating relationships with other prominent figures, including those in the parliamentary group led by former party chair Raed Saleh.

With the leadership transition underway, Steffen Krach faces the task of restoring unity and confidence within the SPD as it heads toward a crucial election. The party will need to address internal divisions, clarify its platform, and improve its public standing if it hopes to regain political momentum in Berlin.