Olaf Scholz Confirms Candidacy for 2025 Election

Chancellor Olaf Scholz, facing record unpopularity with only 16% satisfaction ratings, has announced his intention to run for re-election in 2025 despite recent electoral defeats for his party, the SPD. Scholz insists that he expects to secure a strong mandate to lead the next government, claiming that governing is challenging but necessary. He attributes his low approval ratings to media focus on party infighting and believes that the government has effectively managed crises, including rising energy prices due to the war in Ukraine. Scholz has also dismissed the significance of polls, stating that basing political decisions on them is unwise, even as his party faces declining support in surveys. His coalition, known as the traffic light coalition, has seen a drop in approval ratings, with dissatisfaction rising among the electorate. Scholz's confidence in his re-election bid comes amidst growing challenges from far-right parties and internal party criticisms.