Defense Minister Boris Pistorius is not standing as the SPD’s candidate for chancellor, but wants to support Olaf Scholz. One expert estimates that the election campaign coudl still be challenging.
The day-long debate among the Social Democrats is over: federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has ruled out an SPD candidacy for chancellor and at the same time declared his support for incumbent Olaf Scholz. He had informed the party and parliamentary group leadership that he was “not available to run for the office of Chancellor,” Pistorius said in a video to the SPD members published on Thursday evening.
But what does this mean for the upcoming election campaign? The strategy and communications expert Cornelius Winter expects “a clear programmatic election campaign” after Boris Pistorius’ resignation from the SPD on the K issue.
In this, the person and the program must be “harmonized as convincingly as possible,” Winter told t-online. “In the SPD, thes are primarily the questions of peace and social justice. With Scholz, such a broad-based election campaign should be possible.He has already proven the stamina for this,” winter continued.
The discussion about the SPD candidate for chancellor gained momentum after the traffic light coalition broke up at the beginning of November. The background is low poll numbers for the SPD and especially for Scholz. That’s why in recent days more and more party representatives have spoken out in favor of going into the election campaign with the much more popular Pistorius at the helm. Pistorius ended this discussion with his video.
At the same time, the SPD minister confirmed: scholz was “the right candidate for chancellor.” He led a difficult coalition of three parties through perhaps the biggest crisis in recent decades. ”Olaf Scholz stands for reason and prudence.” This is particularly crucial in times of crisis like these.
Expert Winter also points to this. “Olaf Scholz is a candidate who masters the game of the powerful. Who knows how to move on the international stage in the face of geopolitical crises.” And: Scholz has already led the SPD into the Chancellery, “many Social Democrats are grateful to him for that,” said Winter. “scholz draws a lot of motivation from the fact that he can win against the polls,” he said.
“There were always moments when you wanted more from the combative Olaf Scholz,” said the expert. “His speech on the dismissal of Christian Lindner was understood throughout the country, like his turning point speech. There is this side of Olaf Scholz that he would have to tap into more in order to have a chance.”
The expert said that it is crucial to communicate more “offensively,” especially after the traffic light goes out. “we live in a time in which doubts and the weighing up of opportunities and risks should be communicated more actively,” said Winter. And further: “After the government collapse, we must now look forward. Otherwise, Olaf Scholz would remain the chancellor who failed because of his own coalition.”
Cornelius Winter is the founder of the communications and strategy agency 365 Sherpas and co-partner of the Hirschen Group with more than 800 employees in Germany. He advises company boards, associations and politicians.
It has become clear that large parts of the party and the parliamentary group no longer want to follow Olaf Scholz and no longer trust him to win the election,Frei told the “Tagesspiegel”. “How is a chancellor who is hardly able to convince his own party of the rightness of his policies supposed to convince the people in the country?”
In any case, Scholz has to switch to election campaign mode very quickly. If he wants to be re-elected, an extreme race to catch up is necessary. In the surveys, the SPD is currently with values between 14 and 16 percent, behind the AfD with 17 to 19 percent and far behind the Union with candidate for chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), which has values between 32 and 34 percent. In the current ARD Germany trend, even the Greens have now caught up with the SPD.
Interviewer: Welcome to this special segment of Time.news, where we delve into current political dynamics. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Cornelius Winter, a respected strategy and communications expert. Cornelius, thank you for joining us.
Cornelius Winter: Thank you for having me.It’s a pleasure to be here.
Interviewer: Let’s dive right in. Recently, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has announced that he will not be the SPD’s candidate for Chancellor, declaring his support for Olaf Scholz instead. What do you think prompted this decision, and how does it reshape the political landscape for the SPD?
Cornelius Winter: Boris Pistorius’s decision is meaningful. He effectively ends a speculative discussion that had gained momentum following the breakup of the traffic light coalition and concerns over Scholz’s low polling numbers. By stepping aside, pistorius allows Scholz to consolidate power, and it emphasizes party unity, which is crucial going into the elections. it also sends a clear message that stability and continuity are valued, especially in these challenging times.
Interviewer: Speaking of challenges, you’ve mentioned in previous comments that you anticipate a “clear programmatic election campaign.” Could you elaborate on what you mean by that and what specific issues you think will be pivotal?
Cornelius Winter: Absolutely. A programmatic campaign will focus on core issues like peace and social justice, which resonate deeply with SPD voters. the SPD needs to present a harmonized message that ties Scholz’s leadership style with a clear vision for the future. This means that the party must articulate how it plans to navigate current crises, from economic instability to international tensions.
Interviewer: You noted that Scholz has demonstrated the stamina necessary for such a campaign. What attributes do you believe make him a strong contender in these turbulent times?
Cornelius Winter: Scholz embodies reason and prudence, traits essential for leadership, especially during crises. His ability to negotiate and manage a coalition government through challenges,both domestic and international,has been a testament to his capabilities. Voters tend to gravitate towards leaders who inspire confidence, and Scholz’s track record suggests that he has the experience to command respect on the global stage.
Interviewer: The SPD’s struggles in the polls have been well-documented. Do you think Pistorius’s decision might shift public perception and voter support leading into the elections?
Cornelius Winter: It’s possible. By showing support for Scholz, Pistorius reinforces a narrative of solidarity within the SPD, which may appeal to voters looking for stability. Though, the party must not only rely on this unifying front; they’ll need to execute a strategic campaign that effectively communicates their policies and connects with the electorate emotionally. It’s all about delivering a vision that resonates with people’s everyday lives.
Interviewer: As you mentioned earlier, the SPD is focused on peace and social justice. How important are these issues in today’s geopolitical landscape, especially regarding the ongoing crises in Europe?
Cornelius Winter: These issues are critical.The resurgence of geopolitical tensions has made peace and stability a priority for many.The SPD is well-positioned to advocate for diplomatic solutions and social justice as a means to foster domestic security.By aligning their campaign with these pillars, they can differentiate themselves from other parties and attract a broader base of support.
Interviewer: what should we expect from the SPD and Scholz as they prepare for what could be a challenging election campaign?
Cornelius Winter: Expect a deliberate, calculated campaign that seeks to unify the SPD message under Scholz as a steady hand during uncertainty. They will likely highlight past achievements and lay out a clear vision for addressing current and future challenges. If they execute this effectively, they may not only stabilize their polling but also resonate deeply with voters yearning for leadership during these times.
Interviewer: Cornelius, thank you for your insights. It’s clear that the forthcoming period is pivotal for the SPD, and we’ll be watching closely to see how these strategies unfold.
Cornelius Winter: Thank you for the discussion. It’s been enlightening, and I look forward to seeing how the political landscape evolves.