With the election less than three months away, the SPD has launched its campaign, led by Chancellor candidate Olaf Scholz. He emphasizes the party’s focus on critical issues like minimum wage, housing, and economic recovery. Amidst declining poll numbers, Scholz frames the election as a crucial choice for Germany’s future. He outlines initiatives for job security and infrastructure investment, while also addressing threats like populism and conservatism. The SPD expresses confidence in a comeback, urging unity and action ahead of the vote.
With less than three months remaining until the upcoming election, the SPD has officially kicked off its campaign. Chancellor candidate Olaf Scholz positions his party as a ‘force of the center’, aiming to leverage key issues such as the minimum wage, affordable housing, and tackling the economic crisis to gain voter support.
Following the disbandment of the traffic light coalition, the SPD finds itself in a precarious position. Recent polls indicate that the Social Democrats have dropped to 14 percent. Now, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz steps up to steer the party back on course as their chancellor candidate. In his inaugural major campaign address, he framed the federal election as a pivotal crossroads for the nation. ‘This is about a great deal. We face a fundamental choice for our country—this direction or that one,’ he told around 500 party members. ‘We must get this right. A misstep in Germany now could lead to dire consequences.’
Central to this election are themes of security, unity, prosperity, and job creation. Scholz asserted the urgent need to continue Germany’s renewal process. The SPD is advocating for dependable pensions, affordable housing, and accessible healthcare. Moreover, the chancellor candidate plans to increase the minimum wage to 15 euros gradually and swiftly.
Jan-Peter Bartels, ARD Berlin, on the SPD’s Campaign Launch
Scholz aims to set his party apart. During his speech, he underscored that the SPD embodies the ‘force of the center’ and represents ‘common sense’ within Germany. He described German social democracy as the ‘voice of hardworking and honorable citizens.’
The SPD is determined to chart a clear course for its election campaign, signaling the intended direction of their efforts.
Economic Recovery at the Forefront
The election campaign will heavily emphasize economic recovery. Scholz outlined four key initiatives designed to lift Germany out of the current crisis: safeguarding industrial jobs, particularly in the struggling automotive sector; ensuring affordable energy for businesses; boosting investments in infrastructure; and addressing the skilled labor shortage. Funding for these investments is expected to stem from a reform of the debt brake.
Despite extended discussions surrounding the chancellor candidacy, SPD members remain committed to their goals.
Addressing the Threats of Conservatism
The chancellor also highlighted the various threats confronting Germany today, citing the war in Europe, economic disruptions, rising populism, and extremism. ‘In these serious times, our nation requires serious and responsible governance,’ asserted Scholz. He called for ‘politicians who prioritize the nation’s welfare over personal ambitions’—a veiled critique of the FDP and their ‘D-Day’ proposal.
Scholz further criticized the Union party, accusing chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz of advocating for outdated policies. He argued that the ‘no further conservatism’ that characterized the party under Angela Merkel has devolved into a ‘backward conservatism’ under Merz, affecting civil rights, women’s rights, social achievements, pensions, wages, and healthcare.
With the collapse of the traffic light coalition, the election campaign is underway, and the SPD is once again placing its trust in Olaf Scholz as the candidate.
Anticipation for Surprising Results
As the federal election approaches in just 85 days, the chancellor candidate rallied his party for a victorious campaign. The SPD is confident in its campaigning abilities—’some will certainly be surprised,’ Scholz asserted. The gathering, dubbed the ‘victory conference’ by the party, signifies the official launch of the SPD’s election initiatives.
Prior to Scholz’s address, SPD party leader Lars Klingbeil conveyed optimism, stating, ‘If there’s one thing the SPD excels at, it’s fighting.’ He emphasized, ‘We are a party poised for a comeback, and we will demonstrate that over the next 85 days.’ Klingbeil added that social democracy is highly energized for this election campaign.