Germany’s Chancellor Scholz defends re-election bid amid party dissent

Chancellor Olaf Scholz has reaffirmed his intention to seek re-election as the Social Democratic Party's (SPD) candidate for chancellor, even as dissent grows within the party.

Speaking ahead of his departure to the G20 summit in Brazil, Scholz declared, “The SPD and I are ready to enter this contest with the goal of winning”, Caliber.Az reports via German media.

However, resistance within the SPD has reached a new level, with calls for Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, a more popular figure in opinion polls, to lead the party’s campaign. Joe Weingarten, a Bundestag member, became the first federal lawmaker to publicly suggest Pistorius as the SPD’s top candidate. He was soon joined by Johannes Arlt, another Bundestag member, who described Pistorius as an excellent choice to represent the party.

The defence minister, however, has stood firmly behind Scholz, stating that the chancellor has skillfully guided Germany through a difficult period. "We have an outstanding chancellor. I firmly believe Olaf Scholz will be nominated,” Pistorius said in a recent interview.

SPD leadership in a dilemma

While the SPD leadership has publicly supported Scholz, it has delayed formally nominating him as the party's candidate, creating room for debate within the ranks. Local SPD figures have also expressed support for Pistorius, with some arguing that the party risks irrelevance if it does not make a change.

Serdar Yüksel, head of the SPD’s Bochum district, remarked that “80% of SPD members” would back Pistorius in a poll, adding that the decision to run should not rest solely on Scholz. “This is about the survival of the SPD,” he warned.

Former SPD leader Franz Müntefering has called for the matter to be resolved democratically, suggesting the possibility of a contested vote at the January party congress. “Countercandidacies are part of democracy and not a sign of weakness,” Müntefering told Tagesspiegel.

Scholz’s international engagements cut short

The internal pressure has already impacted Scholz's schedule. While attending the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Scholz cancelled a planned trip to Mexico, citing the need to return early to Berlin due to “current developments.” The chancellor is expected to face intensified discussions upon his return this week.

Polls and future decision

With the SPD polling at 16%, far behind the CDU/CSU’s 32%, Scholz’s position appears increasingly precarious. Party leadership is expected to finalize its decision by November 30, ahead of a planned “victory conference.” Scholz has hinted at reconsidering his candidacy if circumstances warrant, though he remains officially committed.

As the SPD struggles to reconcile internal divisions, the question of its leadership looms large. Whether Scholz can rally the party or if Pistorius will emerge as a surprise candidate remains to be seen in what could be a defining moment for Germany’s political landscape.

By Vugar Khalilov