Germany's Social Democrats pledge to fight on after latest setback

The leaders of Germany's Social Democrats (SPD) on Monday rebuffed calls to step down hours after a bruising electoral defeat in south-western state of Rhineland-Palatinate.

Party co-leaders Lars Klingbeil and Bärbel Bas are under pressure after the SPD lost its 35-year grip on power in the wine-producing region in Sunday's vote.

It comes two weeks after a calamitous showing in neighbouring Baden-Württemberg, in what was the first of five state elections across the country this year.

The centre-left SPD - which is in coalition with Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservatives at the national level - also suffered a surprise loss in Munich, where Mayor Dieter Reiter was defeated by a Green challenger.

But Klingbeil, who serves as vice chancellor and finance minister, said on Monday that he and Bas would not "plunge the second-largest governing party into chaos" and neglect the country by turning the SPD on itself.

At a press conference in Berlin, Bas - Germany's labour minister - said it was important not to "paralyze" the country with leadership questions at this difficult time.

The pair offered to hold an open debate on their positions and how to bring the country forward, but refused to offer their resignations.

Veteran SPD figures earlier sought to give backing to the co-leaders.

Parliamentary leader Matthias Miersch said discussions about personnel were "not useful" after the setback in Rhineland-Palatinate.

Meanwhile, SPD General Secretary Tim Klüssendorf said Klingbeil does not bear sole responsibility for the poor election results, warning that the party must take a "clearer course" to attract voters.

The SPD's poor showing in recent elections could threaten the stability of Germany's governing coalition, especially if the party's base begins to challenge the leadership over difficult compromises on tax and welfare policy.

The party leaders are set to meet on Friday with senior parliamentary figures, SPD state premiers and influential mayors to discuss a plan for reforms in the coming weeks.