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In Germany’s Social Democratic Party (SPD), calls are increasing to nominate Defense Minister Boris Pistorius as the candidate for chancellor instead of the incumbent Olaf Scholz.
According to AFP, Bundestag member Joe Weingarten from Rhineland-Palatinate has publicly urged the party to choose Pistorius. “It is my clear opinion that we should enter the election campaign with Boris Pistorius,” he stated on Sunday, urging the party leadership to resolve the issue with Scholz swiftly.
Weingarten praised Pistorius for his “drive, connection to the people, and ability to communicate what needs to be done in clear German,” qualities he believes the country urgently needs.
Veteran SPD politician Franz Müntefering has also voiced opposition to Scholz’s candidacy. The former party leader suggested resolving the matter during a party congress, potentially through a vote of no confidence. “Having internal opposition candidates is not a sign of helplessness but democracy in action,” Müntefering said, emphasizing that selecting a candidate for chancellor should not be treated lightly or as an entitlement.
Pistorius, 64, has been Germany’s most popular politician for several months, according to polls, while Scholz lags behind. Despite SPD’s low approval ratings of 15-16%, several regional politicians have backed Pistorius in recent days. However, Pistorius has so far denied ambitions to run for chancellor and publicly supports Scholz.
Currently, despite the unraveling of Scholz’s government, the SPD plans to keep him as their lead candidate for the next federal elections.
Polls show that over half of Germans favor snap elections, with the opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU) expected to secure the best results in a potential vote.
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