Bentele resigns as chairwoman of Bavarian VdK social association amid leadership dispute

Verena Bentele is resigning from her position as chairwoman of the VdK social association in Bavaria, effective June 30, following a prolonged power struggle. Treasurer Konrad Gritschneder will also step down. Bentele, however, will remain in her role as the national president of VdK Germany.

A VdK spokesperson stated that disagreements within the Bavarian branch centered on leadership and future strategy. Bentele and Gritschneder reportedly favored a modern organizational structure that was not supported by the other eight board members. The statement also indicated that any accusations or misunderstandings arising from this conflict have been fully resolved, with both Bentele, Gritschneder, and the remaining board members regretting the public discussion.

Bentele, who has led VdK Germany since 2018 and VdK Bavaria since 2023, faced calls for her removal from the state board. Allegations included her intention to centralize the VdK under her leadership. In response to public accusations, Bentele had previously stated that she ran for the Bavarian chairmanship at the board's request, aiming to enhance the organization's public profile and social policy impact through a modern leadership approach suitable for the association's size and responsibility.

The VdK, Germany's largest social association with over 2.3 million members nationwide, advocates for socially disadvantaged individuals and champions social justice. It serves as a lobby for pensioners, people with disabilities, the chronically ill, the elderly, and the unemployed.