Amidst political turbulence and declining popularity, Chancellor Olaf Scholz faces an uncertain future as the SPD’s top candidate for the 2025 election. Despite his determination to run, there is growing internal pressure within the party to consider Defense Minister Boris Pistorius as a more favorable choice. This struggle reflects the broader challenges faced by Scholz's "traffic light" coalition, which has become the most unpopular government in post-war Germany.
Scholz's tenure is mired in crises, notably the Russia-Ukraine war and the surge of the far-right, contributing to the coalition's instability. His recent travels to the G20 summit in Brazil highlight his ongoing international engagements, though they are overshadowed by domestic debates about his leadership. Former SPD chairman Franz Müntefering has called for an open discussion on the party's candidate, signaling a possible shift in support towards Pistorius, who has gained popularity.
The SPD plans to finalize their decision by the end of November, with a pivotal party conference set for January 11th to confirm their candidate. The pressure mounts as the party grapples with low poll numbers, hovering around 15-16%, and the urgency to address these issues before the upcoming elections.
In this climate of uncertainty, Scholz remains steadfast in his bid for leadership, despite the growing calls for change. The outcome of this internal struggle will have significant implications for the SPD’s strategy and could reshape Germany's political landscape as they prepare for the next electoral battle.
