SPD Faces Internal Struggles as Scholz Confirmed as Chancellor Candidate

Amidst criticism from its youth wing and internal discord, the SPD seeks unity ahead of the February Bundestag elections.

The SPD officially confirmed Olaf Scholz as its chancellor candidate following weeks of internal debate, including speculation about Defense Minister Boris Pistorius as an alternative.
The SPD's youth wing, the Jusos, criticized the party leadership for a lack of clear strategy and leadership during the nomination process, describing it as a 'Shitshow.'
Juso leaders emphasized demands for increased social investment, including abolishing the debt brake and higher taxes on wealth, while expressing conditional support for Scholz's campaign.
Party leadership, including co-chair Saskia Esken, acknowledged missteps in handling the candidacy decision but expressed optimism about the SPD's ability to unify and focus on the upcoming election.
The SPD faces significant challenges, including low polling numbers (14–16%) and the need to counter CDU leader Friedrich Merz, who has been positioned as the primary political adversary.