Bärbel Bas resigns as Germany’s labor minister and SPD co-chair after stepdaughter’s death, citing public attacks from coalition partners

Bärbel Bas said on Monday, October 12, that she was leaving Germany’s labor ministry and stepping down as co-chair of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), citing her stepdaughter’s death and continued public attacks, including from coalition partners. She said she needed time to grieve and could not currently perform her government and party duties fully.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s coalition has announced reforms covering the labor market, pensions and other policy areas, with plans to advance pension legislation by the end of 2026.