Olaf Scholz Secures SPD Nomination as Party Seeks Unity Ahead of February Election

The SPD backs Scholz despite internal divisions, aiming to recover from polling deficits against the Union.

Olaf Scholz was unanimously nominated by the SPD's executive board as the party's candidate for the February 2024 Bundestag election after weeks of internal debate.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, seen as a more popular figure, withdrew his potential candidacy last week, clearing the way for Scholz's nomination.
The SPD faces significant challenges, including polling at 15%, far behind the Union, and criticism from party youth over the chaotic handling of the candidacy decision.
Scholz emphasized themes of social justice, stable pensions, affordable housing, and energy in his campaign, while positioning himself as a contrast to Union candidate Friedrich Merz's lack of government experience.
The SPD aims to focus the campaign on a direct contest between Scholz and Merz, with Scholz expressing confidence in reversing the party's fortunes as he did in the 2021 election.