Bärbel Bas has resigned from all of her political offices and raised serious accusations against her coalition partner, according to WELT. The German outlet reported the resignation on Monday, October 12, 2026.
BILD described the move as breaking news, reporting that Bas stepped down as both SPD leader and labor minister. WELT reported that she also directed heavy criticism at her coalition partner as she announced her departure.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz paid tribute to Bas following her resignation, according to DIE ZEIT. The outlet reported his comments without giving further detail on their content.
The resignation has already set off movement within the government. Tagesschau reported that Schweitzer is expected to become labor minister after Bas's exit. T-Online reported that Klingbeil canceled a foreign trip in the wake of her withdrawal, and that he initially stayed in Berlin.
The reports do not specify the substance of Bas's allegations against the coalition partner, and no full text of her statement was available in the material reviewed here.
What to watch next: whether Schweitzer's appointment as labor minister is confirmed and how the coalition responds to Bas's accusations.
