1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites
Live TV
Latest audioLatest videos
In focus
Israel-HamasEUUS election 2024
SPD logo
Image: Maja Hitij/Getty ImagesImage: Maja Hitij/Getty Images

Social Democratic Party (SPD)

Germany’s oldest party was founded in 1875, and is described as "center-left". It roots in the 19th century labor movement.

Skip next section All Content on this topic

All Content on this topic

Negotiators talk to reporters after the Coalition talks in Berlin on Oct 30, 2013. Foto: Maurizio Gambarini/dpa

Push for transaction tax

In EU policy, the new German government will support a financial transaction tax.
October 30, 2013
external

Sigmar Gabriel leads Coalition Talks

Sigmar Gabriel is enjoying new-found popularity within Germany's Social Democrats as the party leader heads into coalition talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives.
October 30, 201302:01 min
external

Europe at stake as SPD and CDU bargain

In Berlin, the Social Democrats and the conservatives are preparing for more negotiations about their future government's policies.
October 30, 201301:29 min
Picture of smartphone with finger above it in mysterious lighting. 2013 Copyright Imago Avanti Communication

US defends spying activities

The United States has defended the use of mass surveillance in foreign countries as necessary to safeguard its own citizens. At the same time, a leading senator has called for a review of US intelligence programs.
October 29, 2013
external

Germany wants answers over US 'spying'

Outrage is growing after media reports that the NSA has been spying on German institutions from a base at the US embassy.
October 28, 201302:00 min
German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel (R) and Leader of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) Sigmar Gabriel (L) attend the first round of coalition talks between Germany's conservative (CDU/CSU) parties and the SPD in Berlin October 23, 2013. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch

German coalition talks

German Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservative bloc and the main opposition SPD have held their first round of coalition talks. Participants spoke of a "positive" atmosphere at the meeting.
October 23, 2013
external

Coalition talks start in Berlin

October 23, 201301:38 min
GettyImages 182027849 Chairman of the Social Democratic Party Sigmar Gabriel addresses reporters after an extraordinary party convention at the SPD headquarters in Berlin on September 27, 2013, ahead of coalition talks with German Chancellor's Christian Democratic Union. AFP PHOTO / JOHN MACDOUGALL (Photo credit should read JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP/Getty Images)

Critical rank-and-file

Social Democrat party members oppose coalition talks with Merkel's Christian Democrats.
October 23, 2013
external

Coalition talks start in Berlin

October 23, 201301:30 min
Bundeskanzlerin Angela Merkel (CDU) spricht am 22.10.2013 bei der konstituierenden Sitzung des Bundestags im Reichstagsgebäude in Berlin mit dem SPD-Bundesvorsitzenden Sigmar Gabriel (r). Bei der Sitzung kommen die Parlamentarier der 18. Legislaturperiode erstmals nach der Bundestagswahl im Plenum zusammen. Foto: Michael Kappeler/dpa

Coalition talks begin in Berlin

Germany's two largest parties, the CDU and the SPD, have begun coalition talks. Party leaders have shown a readiness for compromise, but not without putting their own parties' stamp on the final outcome.
October 23, 2013
The Bundestag lower house of parliament. Photo: Kay Nietfeld/dpa

Bundestag's inaugural meeting

Germany’s lower house of parliament is meeting for the first time since the general election. The session comes a day before Germany's two largest parties open coalition talks.
October 22, 2013
ARCHIV - Der Schauspieler Charles M. Huber, aufgenommen am 08.09.2012 in Darmstadt. Foto: Fredrik von Erichsen/dpa (zu dpa "Zweite Karriere - Ex-Krimi-Star Huber zieht für CDU in Bundestag" vom 24.09.2013) +++(c) dpa - Bildfunk+++

Charles M. Huber now German Christian Democrat deputy

A well-known German actor with African roots now has a seat in the German parliament.
PoliticsOctober 21, 2013
SPD leader Sigmar Gabriel (Hannibal/dpa)

SPD ready to talk

Germany's Social Democrats want to form a government with Angela Merkel's conservatives.
October 21, 2013
external

Germany's SPD to start coalition talks

Germany's Social Democrats have voted in favor of joining in negotiations over a coalition government with the governing conservatives. If successful, the two parties would form a so-called "grand coalition", which would have an overwhelming parliamentary majority.
October 20, 201301:37 min
From above, hundreds of occupied seats form a half-circle facing a speaker's podium below a large pane of glass embossed with an eagle. Photo: Maurizio Gambarini

The loyal, little, opposition

Under a grand coalition, the opposition would be so weak that it's looking for constitutional help.
October 20, 2013
Leader of German Social Democratic party (SPD) Sigmar Gabriel addresses the media after a party meeting in Berlin October 20, 2013. Leaders of SPD have told party members they will wring concessions from Chancellor Angela Merkel if they start coalition talks, including on a minimum wage, equal pay and a financial transaction tax. REUTERS/Tobias Schwarz (GERMANY - Tags: POLITICS BUSINESS)

SPD agrees to talks with Merkel

A special conference of Germany's center-left Social Democrats has voted to enter formal talks on forging a coalition government with Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives. Those talks are set to begin next Wednesday.
October 20, 2013
Der Vorsitzende der SPD, Sigmar Gabriel (M.) kommt am 17.10.2013 in Berlin zusammen mit dem (l-r) Parlamentarischen Geschäftsführer Thomas Oppermann, SPD-Fraktionschef Frank-Walther Steinmeier, Hamburgs Erstem Bürgermeister Olaf Scholz, der Ministerpräsidentin von Nordrhein-Westfalen, Hannelore Kraft, und Peer Steinbrück zur dritten Runde der Sondierungsgespräche zwischen CDU/CSU und der SPD. Foto: Wolfgang Kumm/dpa pixel

German coalition likely

The chairman of Germany's Social Democrats Sigmar Gabriel says his party's executive favors formal coalition talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives. This follows a third round of exploratory talks in Berlin.
October 17, 2013
German Chancellor Angela Merkel (C, top) arrives to meet party colleagues of her conservative CDU/CSU union for consultations ahead of a third round of exploratory talks with members of the social democratic SPD party on October 17, 2013 in Berlin. German Chancellor Angela Merkel faces a new headache after her search for a coalition partner turned into a one-horse race, forcing her to haggle with the emboldened Social Democrats. The Greens politely bowed out of further talks with Merkel's conservatives overnight, citing irreconcilable differences, leaving the Social Democrats (SPD) as Merkel's only potential partner, which will allow them to drive a harder bargain. AFP PHOTO / JOHN MACDOUGALL (Photo credit should read JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP/Getty Images)

Third round of pre-coalition talks

The last round of exploratory talks between Chancellor Merkel's conservatives and the opposition Social Democrats has begun. Both sides say they must still find common ground to consider formal coalition negotiations.
October 17, 2013
ARCHIV - Bundeskanzlerin Angela Merkel (CDU, l) und Bundesumweltminister Sigmar Gabriel (SPD) unterhalten sich am Freitag (20.01.2006) im Bundestag. Union und SPD starten an diesem Freitag ihre Sondierungsgespräche über eine große Koalition - fast zwei Wochen nach der Bundestagswahl. Foto: Tim Brakemeier/dpa +++(c) dpa - Bildfunk+++

Social Democrats now only option for Merkel

October 16, 201301:28 min
Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) and former Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel (SPD) . Photo: Michael Kappeler/dpa +++(c) dpa - Bildfunk+++

Craving harmony

Despite tenuous majorities and diverse standpoints, German politics tends to strive for harmony.
October 16, 2013
Merkel on a monitor next to Green party podiums in Berlin. Foto: Arno Burgi/dpa

Greens end exploratory talks

Germany's Green party has pulled out of talks on forming a coalition government with Angela Merkel's conservatives. The focus for the chancellor now shifts towards an alliance with the opposition Social Democrats.
October 16, 2013
Bayerns state premier Horst Seehofer (CSU, l-r), SPD faction chief Frank-Walter Steinmeier, SPD chairman Sigmar Gabriel and Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) talk on 14.10.2013 in Berlin. Foto: Kay Nietfeld/dpa

Looking for a government

Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservative party has planned to meet with the main opposition Social Democrats for a third time as they look to form a coalition government. Marathon talks Monday yielded no concrete results.
October 15, 2013
external

Conservatives, SPD meet for crunch talks

Angela merkel's CDU-CSU bloc met for a second round of exploratory coalition talks with the Social Democrats. Monday's session could shed light on how the next Merkel-led government will look, and when it might be sealed.
October 14, 201301:26 min
Members of Germany's conservative (CDU/CSU) parties arrive for preliminary coalition with the Social Democratic Party (SPD) at the Parliamentary Society in Berlin October 14, 2013. Merkel is likely to pick a new coalition partner this week before moving on to detailed negotiations that could produce a new German government within about two months.REUTERS/Tobias Schwarz (GERMANY - Tags: POLITICS TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY)

Merkel searches for coalition

German Chancellor Angela Merkel's drive to find a coalition partner continues this week, as Europe waits for clarity in its largest economy. Exploratory were held Monday with the Social Democrats.
October 14, 2013
A balding older man wearing a business suit gestures with his finger to make a point while speaking publicly before a gray background. Photo: Soeren Stache

'Alpha male' Gregor Gysi

Gregor Gysi of the Left Party may soon become the leader of the opposition in parliament.
October 14, 2013
Die Generalsekretaerin der SPD, Andrea Nahles, spricht am Montag (09.01.12) im Willy-Brandt-Haus in Berlin bei einer Pressekonferenz. Foto: Michael Gottschalk/dapd

SPD wants minimum wage law

A leading opposition Social Democrat says coalition talks with Chancellor Merkel's conservatives can begin only if they agree to introduce a minimum wage. The remarks came before the parties' second exploratory meeting.
October 13, 2013
Social Democratic Party (SPD) party leader Sigmar Gabriel (C) arrives with SPD party fellows at the Parliamentary Society for preliminary talks between Germany's conservative (CDU/CSU) parties and the SPD, in Berlin October 4, 2013. The SPD are seen as German Chancellor Angela Merkel's most likely partner, but they have said they will not be rushed into a deal. Merkel will also hold preliminary talks with the Greens next week, playing potential partners off against each other. Pictured also: SPD parliamentary faction leader Frank-Walter Steinmeier (L) Peer Steinbrueck (2nd L) Northrhine-Westphalia Prime Minister Hannelore Kraft (3rd R) party secretary general Andrea Nahles (2nd R) and Olaf Scholz (R) REUTERS/Tobias Schwarz (GERMANY - Tags: POLITICS)

A grand coalition is born?

After meeting Friday, the CDU/CSU and SPD may be close to a deal.
October 12, 201301:40 min
Social Democratic Party (SPD) party leader Sigmar Gabriel (C) arrives with SPD party fellows at the Parliamentary Society for preliminary talks between Germany's conservative (CDU/CSU) parties and the SPD, in Berlin October 4, 2013. The SPD are seen as German Chancellor Angela Merkel's most likely partner, but they have said they will not be rushed into a deal. Merkel will also hold preliminary talks with the Greens next week, playing potential partners off against each other. Pictured also: SPD parliamentary faction leader Frank-Walter Steinmeier (L) Peer Steinbrueck (2nd L) Northrhine-Westphalia Prime Minister Hannelore Kraft (3rd R) party secretary general Andrea Nahles (2nd R) and Olaf Scholz (R) REUTERS/Tobias Schwarz (GERMANY - Tags: POLITICS)

More exploratory coalition talks

After first talks on forming a possible coalition, Chancellor Merkel’s conservatives and the opposition Social Democrats have decided to hold another exploratory meeting. The mood at the talks was described as "open."
October 4, 201301:24 min
external

Questions mount ahead of coalition talks

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has begun talks with the opposition SPD, as she looks to build a new coalition. The CDU scored a stunning victory in September's elections. However, their former coalition partners the FDP failed to gain enough votes to stay in parliament, leaving a grand coalition as the most likely alternative. But that would leave Germany with a weak political opposition.
October 4, 201302:47 min
external

Germany begins coalition talks

German politicians have opened talks over the possibility of forming a grand coalition. Chancellor Angela Merkel is meeting with representatives from the Social Democrats, as she looks to build a new government. Both parties have shied away from making bold predictions ahead of the talks, and the process could take several months to complete.
October 4, 201301:10 min
Social Democratic Party (SPD) party leader Sigmar Gabriel (C) arrives with SPD party fellows at the Parliamentary Society for preliminary talks between Germany's conservative (CDU/CSU) parties and the SPD, in Berlin October 4, 2013. REUTERS/Tobias Schwarz

More exploratory coalition talks

After first talks on forming a possible coalition, Chancellor Merkel’s conservatives and the opposition Social Democrats have decided to hold another exploratory meeting. The mood at the talks was described as "open."
October 4, 2013
external

Germany begins exploratory coalition talks

October 4, 201301:12 min
Angela Merkel and Sigmar Gabriel Photo: Tim Brakemeier/dpa +++(c) dpa - Bildfunk+++

Exploratory coalition talks

Leading members of Chancellor Merkel’s conservatives and the opposition Social Democrats are meeting to discuss the possibility of forming a coalition government. These preliminary talks are strictly exploratory.
October 4, 2013
A photo with red and green arrows symbolizes the coalition talks Photo: Julian Stratenschulte/dpa

Coalition quandry

As government coalition talks get underway, many questions remain for Merkel's potential partners.
October 4, 2013
external

Who will be Germany's next coalition?

As the election's clear victors, Angela Merkel's conservatives can choose their partner in government...but they do have to pick one...and that's easier said than done. So will it be the SPD or the Greens or neither?
September 30, 201302:49 min
Social Democrat Peer Steinbrück, Jürgen Trittin of the Green Party, Chancellor Angela Merkel Photo: Christian Charisius/dpa

CDU to talk to SPD, Greens

Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Christian Democrats and the Social Democrats have set a date for their first coalition talks since the September 22 general election. Merkel’s party also plans to talk to the Greens.
September 30, 2013
Paint brushes with black, red and green paint Photo: Patrick Pleul/dpa +++(c) dpa - Bildfunk+++

New colors in Berlin?

Merkel is trying to cross traditional divides among German parties to form a government.
September 30, 2013
Der Vorsitzende der CDU/CSU-Bundestagsfraktion, Volker Kauder, gibt am 24.09.2013 in Berlin ein Statement. Foto: Soeren Stache/dpa / Eingestellt von wa

CDU rules out tax hikes

A week after the German election, potential partners have been continuing to posture ahead of possible coalition talks. Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives still need a partner to form a parliamentary majority.
September 29, 2013
Frank-Walter Steinmeier Photo: Hannibal/dpa

Steinmeier accused of plagiarism

One of the leading members of Germany’s SPD has denied allegations that he plagiarized part of his doctoral thesis. Frank-Walter Steinmeier is just the latest in a series of German politicians to face such accusations.
September 29, 2013
external

SPD favors opening negotiations with CDU

The SPD will ask the rank-and-file to make the final decision on whether to enter a coalition with the CDU if talks with Angela Merkel's party take place.
September 27, 201301:23 min
Peer Steinbrück (photo: Kay Nietfeld/dpa)

Steinbrück's farewell

Opinion polls were against Social Democrat Peer Steinbrück, who still tried to turn things around.
September 27, 2013
Former chancellor candidate of German Social Democratic Party (SPD) Peer Steinbrueck is seen after a parliamentary group's meeting at the lower house of parliament Bundestag on September 24, 2013 in Berlin two days after the general election. Chancellor Angela Markel presses on with the tough task of forming a government, with her potential centre-left allies of the SPD saying they were weighing options and would not be open for talks until a party meeting on September 27, 2013. AFP PHOTO / JOHANNES EISELE (Photo credit should read JOHANNES EISELE/AFP/Getty Images)

SPD's Steinbrück steps down

The man who challenged Angela Merkel in the German election is quitting front-line politics. This came as his Social Democrats were considering whether to enter talks on joining a CDU-led coalition government.
September 27, 2013
Placards of the SPD and CDU in front of the Reichstag building in Berlin

SPD mulls coalition talks

SPD leaders are set to recommend that the party open exploratory talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel’s CDU about possibly forming a coalition government. Merkel’s party fell just short of a majority in Sunday’s vote.
September 27, 2013
SPD flags. Photo: Patrick Seeger dpa/lsw +++(c) dpa - Bildfunk+++ pixel

SPD dilemma

Damned if they do and damned if they don't: No good options for Germany's SPD.
September 27, 2013
Hermann Gröhe

CDU plays down tax hike talk

Members of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s CDU have played down the possibility of agreeing to raise taxes as part of a coalition deal with the SPD. Merkel needs a coalition partner to form a majority in parliament.
September 26, 2013
external

SPD mulls joining Merkel coalition

Germany's Social Democrats are weighing the pros and cons of joining Chancellor Merkel's CDU.
September 25, 201301:17 min
Peer Steinbrueck (L), top candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and party leader Sigmar Gabriel

SPD weighs coalition with Merkel

German opposition parties are struggling to decide whether they should enter a coalition with chancellor Merkel’s conservatives. Both Social Democrats and the Green Party face tough resistance to such a move from within.
September 25, 2013
Volker Bouffier (CDU, l) and SPD lead candidate for the state, Thorsten Schäfer (Photo: Daniel Reinhardt/dpa)

Hesse puzzles coalition patterns

The German state of Hesse faces lengthy talks to form a coalition government in the wake of its regional election. As nationally, the ruling conservatives must bridge the gap after a slump in support for their allies.
September 24, 2013
German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel celebrates after first exit polls in the German general election (Photo: REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch)

Who will govern with Merkel?

Angela Merkel's party did not win an absolute majority. Will a grand coalition be the solution?
September 23, 2013
external

Grand coalition 'not inevitable'

September 23, 201301:50 min