Top SPD officials face scrutiny over declining voter support and controversial welfare reforms, as tensions rise within the party ahead of critical regional elections in East Germany.

With its polling numbers plummeting to around 12%, the Social Democratic Party (SPD) is grappling with voter dissatisfaction, compounded by internal debates over leadership changes and policy missteps. During a televised discussion, SPD parliamentary leader Matthias Miersch faced pointed criticism for the party’s handling of the Bürgergeld, a welfare reform that critics argue contributed to a significant voter shift toward the Alternative for Germany (AfD).

Miersch defended the SPD’s leadership, dismissing calls for a shake-up involving figures like Lars Klingbeil and Bärbel Bas, arguing that such moves would not solve the deeper challenges facing the party. He highlighted SPD’s efforts to deliver compromises within the governing coalition and emphasized the party’s commitment to responsibility despite internal and external pressure. Still, critics remain skeptical, questioning the party’s ability to reconnect with its traditional voter base.

Moderators and commentators have pointed to the Bürgergeld reform as emblematic of the SPD’s struggles. Implemented and later replaced by a new basic income program this July, the controversial policy is seen by some as a failure that alienated key segments of the electorate. Facing harsh feedback about the party’s perceived credibility gap, Miersch maintained that leadership continuity, not abrupt changes, would best address lingering challenges. However, with regional elections looming, the SPD is under pressure to convince voters it can still deliver on its promises.