Martin Schulz resigns as leader of Germany’s SPD

Further information:

The decision was announced following days of internal debate around the agreement reached with the Christian Democrats (CDU) for a new grand coalition government and ahead of a party vote on the issue.

+ Germany's CDU and SPD reach formal coalition agreement in principle following further negotiations

The former head of the European Parliament handed over leadership to his deputy, Andrea Nahles. However, SPD mayor Simone Lange later announced she intended to run against Ms Nahles at a leadership contest held in April 2018.

The head of Germany's Social Democrats (SPD) Martin Schulz announced his reisgnation with immediate effect on 13 February 2018.

BBC News, 13.02.18: Germany coalition: SPD leader Martin Schulz resigns http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-43052436

Politico, 13.02.18: ‘The Schulz’ takes his leave https://www.politico.eu/article/martin-schulz-resigns-leader-of-german-spd/

EurActiv, 14.02.18: Schulz resigns in bid to calm party ahead of coalition deal vote https://www.euractiv.com/section/elections/news/schulz-resigns-in-bid-to-calm-party-ahead-of-coalition-deal-vote/

Deutsche Welle, 13.02.18: SPD mayor Simone Lange challenges Andrea Nahles for party leadership http://p.dw.com/p/2sZuu

The Economist [Blog]: Martin Schulz resigns as leader of the Social Democrats https://www.economist.com/blogs/kaffeeklatsch/2018/02/hitting-buffers

Reuters, 14.02.18: Germany's SPD vows to clash with 'down for the count' Merkel https://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKKCN1FY2GS

Deutsche Welle, 13.02.18: Martin Schulz steps down as SPD head http://p.dw.com/p/2sdWx

The Conversation, 12.03.18: Germany’s Social Democrats: where did it all go wrong? https://theconversation.com/germanys-social-democrats-where-did-it-all-go-wrong-93153

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