In a surprising turn of events, SPD leadership reportedly attempted to prevent Olaf Scholz from running for a second term as Chancellor. According to media reports, SPD Chairman Lars Klingbeil twice suggested that Scholz step down, but the Chancellor refused.
Boris Pistorius, who cleared the path for Scholz’s candidacy by stepping aside in late November, was initially seen as a more popular choice for Chancellor. Despite this, Scholz remained the SPD’s candidate for the upcoming February 23 election, although he was not the party’s first choice. Sources say that top SPD figures, including Klingbeil, were concerned about Scholz’s declining popularity and suggested that he reconsider his candidacy.
Klingbeil denied the reports when asked for comment, but the situation raised eyebrows within the SPD. Despite internal concerns, Scholz remained determined to run. Meanwhile, SPD members like Saskia Esken and Matthias Miersch began questioning whether the party stood much chance of retaining the Chancellery with Scholz at the helm.
As support for Scholz dwindled, with his approval rating falling below 20%, it became clear that the SPD faced a tough battle. Scholz’s confidant, Minister Wolfgang Schmidt, also voiced frustration with the party leadership’s lack of support. Reports suggested Schmidt had pushed back against efforts to sideline Pistorius, though he denied trying to block the election campaign.
Current polling paints a grim picture for the SPD, with the party trailing behind the Union and the AfD, and Scholz’s re-election bid looking increasingly unlikely.
