Brandt to Resign as Social Democratic Party Chief in 1988
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BONN — Former West German Chancellor Willy Brandt said Sunday that he wants to step down as chairman of the opposition Social Democratic Party in 1988 and make way for a new leadership.
Brandt, 72, refused to name a likely successor as party chief, saying only that the standing of rival moderate and left-wing contenders would become clearer after West German national elections next month.
“I think the change to a new leadership should take place at the next party congress in 1988,” he told the Cologne Express.
He aims to continue working on party policy documents and would be happy to serve under the person who succeeds him as chairman, he said. He has occupied the post since 1964.
Brandt was West Germany’s first Social Democrat chancellor after World War II, occupying the position from 1969 to 1974.
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