German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is grappling with internal party dissent as his re-election campaign for the upcoming federal elections faces significant challenges. His Social Democratic Party (SPD) is experiencing turmoil following the collapse of the coalition government, leading to calls for a "fresh start" with Defense Minister Boris Pistorius as a potential candidate.
Scholz's popularity has plummeted, with approval ratings at a record low of 18%. The SPD's support has dropped significantly from 25.7% in September 2021 to just 16% currently. The Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which Scholz's coalition initially replaced, now leads the SPD in polls. The situation has sparked discussions within the SPD about leadership, with an executive committee meeting scheduled to determine the party's nominee.
Despite the pressure, Scholz remains firm in his commitment to run, stating at a recent G20 summit that the SPD will nominate him again. However, influential party members and regional governors have voiced their concerns, urging for unity and decisive action. Defense Minister Pistorius has emerged as a popular choice, although he has not formally declared his candidacy.
SPD co-leader Saskia Esken and other senior figures have reaffirmed their support for Scholz, yet the debate continues. The ongoing discussions reflect broader dissatisfaction with Scholz's leadership style and the SPD's current direction, prompting calls for innovative solutions to regain momentum. The party faces a critical decision as it seeks to navigate a path forward amidst internal and external pressures.
