Overview

• The SPD has officially nominated Olaf Scholz as its chancellor candidate, despite internal criticism over recent debates regarding Defense Minister Boris Pistorius' potential candidacy.
• SPD leaders Saskia Esken and Lars Klingbeil face criticism for their handling of internal debates, with Esken admitting missteps at a recent party congress.
• In Saxony, the Greens reject supporting CDU leader Michael Kretschmer's re-election bid but face decisions on whether to back a CDU-SPD minority government or focus on opposition roles.
• Saxony's financial crisis has prompted discussions on drastic budget cuts and a possible independent experts' government, as the state faces a €4 billion shortfall for 2025-2026.
• Amid broader political challenges, the SPD and Greens confront declining public trust, with the SPD struggling to reconnect with working-class voters and the Greens addressing their electoral strategy in coalition politics.