Overview

• Olaf Scholz is set to be formally nominated as the SPD's candidate for Chancellor on Monday, following weeks of internal debate over his candidacy versus Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.
• Boris Pistorius declined to run, citing concerns over destabilizing the party and Scholz's leadership, though his popularity in polls had fueled calls for his candidacy.
• The SPD's internal struggles, including criticism from the Juso youth wing and former party leaders, have raised concerns about its unity and readiness for the upcoming election.
• Brandenburg's SPD Minister-President Dietmar Woidke's dismissal of a Green coalition partner has strained relations with the Greens, prompting criticism from Green leader Robert Habeck.
• The SPD faces mounting pressure to address its declining support and clarify its vision, as competitors like the Greens and Sahra Wagenknecht's new party gain traction.