Klingbeil in the heart of Cologne: SPD is fighting for votes before the election!

Klingbeil in the heart of Cologne: SPD is fighting for votes before the election!

The local elections are just around the corner in North Rhine-Westphalia, and Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil is mobilizing. It is already clear that the SPD is facing a potential debacle on September 14th. Klingbeil is in Cologne to support local top candidate Torsten Burmester. During his visit to the “Eigenheim” pub, he described the challenges of the current coalition work and the importance of compromises. “We will have endless arguments with the CDU,” said Klingbeil, who sees a clear need for discussions in the coming weeks.

The SPD is optimistic about the runoff election, which takes place two weeks after the local elections. But it's not just the election campaign that concerns Klingbeil. He emphasizes that there are also conflicts within the coalition in Berlin that are causing discontent. A central issue is the 500 billion euro investment package, which Klingbeil highlights as a great success for the SPD. But while he calls for constructive discussions, tensions within the black-red coalition are evident and pressure on the government is increasing.

Political views and challenges

Aside from local elections, Klingbeil also addresses social reforms and the fight against abuse in the social system. In view of the tense political situation, he gives the coalition the task of developing solutions, especially in the coalition committee. In this context, Klingbeil also comments on international issues and positions himself clearly with an appeal to stop supplying weapons to Israel that could be used in the Gaza Strip.

Lars Klingbeil, born on February 23, 1978, has been Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister of Finance since May 6, 2025. He made a name for himself in the SPD by being co-chairman from 2021 to 2025 and previously serving as general secretary. In personal reflections, he explains that he grew up in a working-class family in Soltau and was able to gain practical experience in the constituency offices of Chancellors Gerhard Schröder and Heino Wiese while studying political science. He has been politically active since 2001, be it in the Münster city council or in the Bundestag, where he advocates for his voters.

The situation of the parties in North Rhine-Westphalia

The SPD is in direct competition with the CDU, which is hoping for a victory in the upcoming elections. Laura Rosen, 30 years old and a tax officer, is running for the CDU in Gelsenkirchen for the office of mayor. The CDU, which received more second votes than the CSU in Bavaria in the last federal election, has high hopes for quick and visible reforms in North Rhine-Westphalia. A fire letter from the Junge Union has already clearly criticized explorations with the SPD and highlighted the need for solid politics to stop the AfD's growth.

With an optimistic voice, Gniosdorz from the Junge Union emphasizes the pressure that the CDU must put on the government to implement reforms. At the same time, Rosen is focusing on local problems in her election campaign, expects support from the CDU leadership and is committed to improving the infrastructure. Time is running out and the political developments are exciting: there are only 139 days left until the election, so all parties have to show their colors.

The election campaign in North Rhine-Westphalia promises to be exciting as the SPD and CDU clash and fight for voters' favor. Lars Klingbeil, who personally addresses citizens' concerns, will do everything he can to lead the SPD out of the current crisis.