SPD and the election
Pistorius renounces his candidacy for chancellor – and supports Scholz
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius does not want to run as the SPD’s candidate for chancellor. He explained this in a video message to party members in the evening.
In a video message to the Social Democrats that evening, Boris Pistorius announced his renunciation of his candidacy for chancellor. He is “not available” for this, it is his “personal decision”. Pistorius supported the Chancellor in the embassy. “We have an excellent Chancellor in Olaf Scholz,” he said. Olaf Scholz stands for reason and prudence: “He is the right candidate for chancellor.”
The debate about the candidate for chancellor caused uncertainty in the party and among the voters. That’s a shame for the SPD. “We now have a collective responsibility to end it, because there is a lot at stake.” For him, the Defense Ministry is “not a career springboard.” He is not finished with his work there yet – and would like to continue it. “I’m looking forward to a second term.”
Pistorius opted out, even though Scholz is now less popular than Lindner
The decision was preceded by days of struggle within the SPD, which put increasing strain on the party. Scholz is badly damaged in the SPD; his authority has literally imploded since the traffic light broke. Several prominent Social Democrats spoke out in support of Pistorius. There are many grassroots doubts about the Chancellor, especially in North Rhine-Westphalia.
A message from Boris Pistorius for you. pic.twitter.com/LJKOzSAX6D
— SPD party executive 🇪🇺 (@spdde) November 21, 2024
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On the very day of the decision, the pollsters from Infratest published a new survey in which the SPD continued to decline and now only reached 14 percent. The Greens are on par. Scholz’s personal values are also miserable; in terms of satisfaction with politicians, he is now behind FDP leader Christian Lindner.
It is questionable whether peace will return to the SPD after Pistorius’ resignation. The party is upset because the leadership recently lost control of the process – and because the prospects for the federal election are very poor. According to surveys, the Union is way ahead. Scholz is to be nominated as a candidate for chancellor in the party executive committee on Monday. On December 16th, Scholz wants to ask the Bundestag a vote of confidence to trigger new elections. In January he still has to be confirmed as candidate for chancellor at a party conference.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
