Saskia Esken, co-chair of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) in Germany, has officially announced her decision to step down from her leadership position, following a series of internal disputes and a dwindling support from her own regional branch.

Esken has faced significant public and media scrutiny, leading her to describe the current discourse surrounding her future as a "public hunt."

In an interview with a local newspaper, she expressed her frustration over the overwhelming focus on her professional trajectory, stating, "If the public hunt has begun, positive voices are often ignored." Esken emphasized the need for discourse on more pressing societal issues rather than her personal circumstances, highlighting the critical topics that should be addressed instead of personnel matters.

Esken's tenure has encountered challenges, notably during her attempt to secure a Bundestag seat in her electoral district of Calw, where she received only 12.9% of the votes.

Consequently, she was not nominated for re-election to the federal board by her own regional party.

In contrast, co-chair Lars Klingbeil has emerged as a prominent figure in the party, being appointed as Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister in the recently formed black-red coalition government.

Despite the SPD's historically low electoral outcome of 16.4% in the previous elections, Klingbeil's ascension marks a significant shift in party dynamics.

Additionally, Esken disclosed that remarks made about her colleague Bärbel Bas, the new Federal Minister of Labor and former President of the Bundestag, suggested a lack of support for her candidacy.

Esken referenced an interview where Bas was asked if she endorsed Klingbeil's candidacy but did not receive a similar inquiry regarding Esken.

This omission was subsequently perceived as silence on Bas's part regarding Esken's support.

Esken characterized this situation as reflecting poorly on the treatment of women in the political sphere, stating that women often face greater scrutiny and expectations compared to their male counterparts.

"We have to deliver twice as much," she remarked, noting the complexities and contradictions that women in politics must navigate.

With her departure from the leadership position slated for the upcoming party convention in June, Esken indicated that she would not seek re-election for the SPD chairmanship.

Her expected successor alongside Klingbeil is Bärbel Bas.

While Esken maintained that she would continue to engage with the party constructively, she reaffirmed her commitment to not speak against the SPD on personal grounds.

Her statement echoes sentiments expressed by former party leaders regarding the challenges faced by women in leadership roles within political organizations.