SPD candidacy for chancellor
Scholz hopes for a unified SPD after the candidate selection
Updated on November 25, 2024 – 6:11 p.mReading time: 4 min.
Many in the SPD found the K debate to be chaos. The candidate Olaf Scholz says that they only “paused for a moment”. He is counting on his party to now rally behind him.
After being unanimously nominated by the SPD board as candidate for chancellor, Olaf Scholz is relying on his party to now join him in the election campaign. He wants to quickly put the clarification of the K question behind him, which many party members perceived as chaotic: “We paused for a moment and thought about what was best to do. Now we are acting together,” said the 66-year-old. That was the mood in the party executive committee, “and also a lot of what I’ve heard in the last few days.”
In a letter to all party members, Scholz expressed his confidence, despite being up to 19 percentage points behind the CDU/CSU in the polls, that he can still turn things around like in the last election: “Together with you, I want to win the coming federal election. And I am “I’m sure: If we fight for it together, then it’s possible.”
Scholz announced that the SPD would campaign for continued support for Ukraine, for the preservation of jobs, for good wages and for affordable energy prices. The future of pensions will also become an issue. “The next federal election will decide whether there is a stable pension in Germany or not.”
Esken said after the nomination: “With his principled, determined nature, he is the right man for the Chancellery.” She vowed her party to have a short, crisp and combative election campaign. “It will be cold on the streets, but we are already at operating temperature.” The SPD is fighting for the people who keep the country running, who are afraid of losing their jobs and whose incomes are under pressure.
Pistorius had only decided not to run for office last Thursday, clearing the way for Scholz to be nominated. In the SPD, however, the deadlock on the K question still has an impact. At the Federal Congress of the Young Socialists (Juso), the youth association of the SPD, there was sharp criticism of the party leadership over the weekend. Juso leader Philipp Türmer accused party leaders Esken and Klingbeil of leadership failure and spoke of a “shit show.”
Esken then admitted: ”No, we didn’t give a really good impression when we nominated our candidate for chancellor.” Klingbeil defended the party leadership’s actions against it. “My claim to leadership is that you listen to the party, that you hold debates, that you think in different scenarios,” he said on Deutschlandfunk.
After the nomination, Scholz’s candidacy for chancellor still has to be confirmed at the party conference on January 11th. This is considered a formality. However, Scholz has to be measured by his result from May 2021 – a good four months before the federal election. At that time, Scholz was confirmed with 96.2 percent of the vote.
At that time, as today, the SPD was polling between 14 and 16 percent. Only a laugh from Union Chancellor candidate Armin Laschet in the flood area brought about a turning point in the summer: the SPD became the strongest force with 25.7 percent.
The SPD is hoping that the challenger will make mistakes this time too. The party wants to focus the election campaign on the duel between Scholz and Union Chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz. The Social Democrats accuse him of backward-looking politics and want to score points above all with Scholz’s government experience and certainty on issues.
Klingbeil attested to Scholz’s strong nerves, level-headedness and steadfastness. On the other side is Merz: “He has never taken responsibility for this country and the people of this country in a government office. And it would be a very big experiment to elect someone like that to the top of the country, especially in this one times.”
How can Olaf Scholz address internal dissent within the SPD, particularly from the Jusos, to strengthen his campaign?
Interview Between the Time.news Editor and Political Expert on Olaf Scholz’s Candidacy
Editor: Welcome, everyone! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Anja Müller, political analyst and expert on German politics. We’ll be discussing the recent developments surrounding Olaf Scholz’s nomination as the SPD’s candidate for Chancellor. Dr. Müller, welcome!
Dr. Müller: Thank you for having me. It’s an exciting time in German politics!
Editor: Indeed, it is! Olaf Scholz has recently been unanimously nominated by the SPD board. What do you think this says about the party’s current dynamics, especially after the chaotic K debate?
Dr. Müller: Scholz’s nomination is a strong signal of party unity, or at least the desire for it. After the turbulence and criticism surrounding the K debate, many in the SPD were anxious for clarity and leadership. Scholz represents a stabilizing force that the party seems to rally around as they prepare for the elections.
Editor: Scholz mentioned that many inside the party felt the K debate was chaotic but emphasized a commitment to moving forward. How important is this narrative of unity for the SPD right now?
Dr. Müller: Very important. Given the backdrop of the party trailing significantly in the polls—up to 19 points behind the CDU/CSU—the SPD needs to present a united front to the electorate. Scholz’s call to action, stating “together we can win,” is a strategic move to unify party members and instill confidence in their supporters.
Editor: Speaking of polls, how crucial is public perception for Scholz’s campaign as the election date approaches?
Dr. Müller: Public perception is everything at this stage. Scholz is aware of the uphill battle he faces with diminishing support, so he must effectively communicate a compelling vision for the future. His assurances about maintaining support for Ukraine, job preservation, and energy prices resonate with voters concerned about the economy and security.
Editor: It seems Scholz is campaigning on significant issues. How do you see these themes resonating with the electorate, particularly in light of rising economic concerns?
Dr. Müller: Right now, voters are very concerned about job security and affordability. Scholz’s focus on stable pensions is particularly timely since many are worried about their future financial security. If he can connect these campaign themes convincingly, he may bridge the gap with voters and perhaps even replicate the electoral turnaround he achieved in May 2021.
Editor: However, we saw some dissent within the party, especially from the Jusos. How might this internal conflict affect Scholz’s campaign?
Dr. Müller: Internal dissent can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it reflects a vibrant democracy within the party, but on the other, it can hinder coherence. If activists like the Jusos continue to criticize the leadership, it could dilute the campaign’s message and create fractures. Scholz needs to engage with these voices to foster a sense of inclusion while also driving a unified narrative.
Editor: Given the upcoming party conference where Scholz’s candidacy will be formally confirmed, do you think there are risks involved?
Dr. Müller: There are always risks in politics. Despite being a formality, any challenge to his confirmation—or a lackluster result—could reflect poorly on his leadership. It’s essential for him to ensure that he receives solid backing at the conference and to refute any notions of division within the party before the campaign truly ramps up.
Editor: Dr. Müller, what would you consider the key to a successful campaign for Scholz moving forward?
Dr. Müller: The key will be consistent and relatable communication. He must articulate clear policies that not only address immediate concerns but also foster hope for the future. Engaging with both the party base and broader electorate, while projecting confidence and unity, will be critical for Scholz as he prepares to tackle the election head-on.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Müller, for your insights! The SPD and Olaf Scholz have a challenging road ahead, but it certainly promises to be an intriguing election season.
Dr. Müller: Thank you for having me! Let’s see how it all unfolds in the coming months.