Scholz Faces Pressure Ahead of German Elections

Chancellor Olaf Scholz faces mounting pressure from within his Social Democratic Party (SPD) regarding his candidacy for the upcoming February snap election, as polls show the party's support plummeting to around 15%. While Scholz has expressed his intention to run, influential party members are advocating for a potential replacement with Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, who boasts significantly higher popularity ratings. Scholz’s coalition government recently collapsed over economic disputes, further complicating his position. Some party officials have publicly voiced support for Pistorius as a more viable candidate, fearing that a Scholz-led campaign could result in a disappointing electoral outcome. Amidst the internal debate, SPD leadership continues to back Scholz, emphasizing unity ahead of the election. The situation remains precarious, with a vote of confidence in Scholz's government scheduled for December 16, which could determine the party's strategy moving forward.