As the German elections approach, the SPD faces internal pressure over its choice of chancellor candidate. Despite the party's dwindling poll numbers, the leadership remains committed to Olaf Scholz. Prominent figures like Dietmar Woidke and Karl Lauterbach continue to back Scholz, while SPD leader Saskia Esken acknowledges ongoing debates but insists on his candidacy.
However, some party members, notably from the conservative Seeheimer Kreis, are advocating for Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, citing dissatisfaction with Scholz's performance. Pistorius, currently Germany's most popular politician, has publicly dismissed any ambitions for the chancellorship.
Amidst these internal debates, SPD leader Lars Klingbeil has criticized the FDP for allegedly plotting the collapse of the current coalition, labeling it an 'unworthy spectacle.' With the FDP polling poorly, a CDU/CSU-SPD grand coalition appears a likely outcome in February's snap elections.
Furthermore, the SPD is reportedly planning a controversial campaign targeting Friedrich Merz, aiming to highlight his unpopularity among young women. As internal and external pressures mount, the SPD's leadership faces a challenging path to secure a favorable position in the upcoming elections.
