SPD Member Calls for Boris Pistorius as Chancellor Candidate

As Germany approaches early elections on February 23, 2025, internal divisions within the Social Democrats (SPD) are surfacing, particularly regarding Chancellor Olaf Scholz's leadership amid dismal approval ratings. Prominent voices within the party, including MP Joe Weingarten, are advocating for the more popular Defense Minister Boris Pistorius to lead the SPD into the elections, arguing that Scholz's reputation is at an all-time low. Recent polls indicate that 66% of voters prefer Pistorius over Scholz, with many believing his leadership could improve the party's standing from its current 16% support. The SPD's conservative wing, the Seeheimer Kreis, has echoed these sentiments, with members expressing doubts about Scholz's electability. Scholz, who has vowed to run for a second term, faces increasing pressure to reconsider his candidacy as the opposition Christian Democrats lead significantly in polls. A confidence vote slated for December 16 will further shape the political landscape as the SPD grapples with its future direction.