Scholz Remains SPD Candidate Amidst Party Turmoil

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will be nominated as the Social Democratic Party's (SPD) candidate for the upcoming February general election, following Defense Minister Boris Pistorius's decision to withdraw from the race. Despite this, Scholz faces significant internal pressure and open revolt from within his party, with factions advocating for Pistorius due to his popularity and Scholz's recent political setbacks, including the collapse of his coalition government. The SPD leadership plans crisis talks to address the situation, as Scholz's approval ratings plummet and the opposition Christian Democrats, led by Friedrich Merz, gain momentum. Scholz's decision to expel the Free Democrats from his coalition has intensified the call for change, highlighting the party's struggle to unite behind him. The party's internal conflict mirrors broader dissatisfaction with Scholz's leadership amidst economic challenges and political instability in Germany.