German Chancellor Olaf Scholz confirmed he will run for a second term in the upcoming snap elections after his Defence Minister, Boris Pistorius, ruled himself out. The decision brings some clarity, but leaves the SPD with its most unpopular chancellor in record time.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is set to run for a second term in the upcoming snap elections after his popular Defence Minister Boris Pistorius – a possible replacement – ruled himself out of the running on Thursday. The news provided some relief after weeks of uncertainty about whether Pistorius would step forward, with the elections just months away on 23rd February.
But it leaves the ruling Social Democrats (SPD) with Germany's most unpopular chancellor on record as their candidate at a time when the party is already trailing in third place behind the opposition conservatives and the far-right.
"I have just informed our party and parliamentary group leaders that I will not be standing as a candidate for the office of federal chancellor," Pistorius said in a video posted to SPD social media channels on Thursday evening. "This is my sovereign, personal and entirely personal decision."
Traditionally, the incumbent chancellor would always be in pole position to lead his or her party into the next election – former Chancellor Angela Merkel won four consecutive terms for the conservatives. But the stark difference in popularity between the diffident Scholz and Pistorius, Germany's most popular politician since he stepped onto the national stage as defence minister two years ago, had raised doubts about whether this was the best course of action.
Even within the SPD, a majority favoured Pistorius running for chancellor over Scholz, who earlier this month oversaw the collapse of his fractious three-way coalition over differences about how to revive the ailing economy.
Afghanistan attacked Pakistani military positions along the border late on Thursday (26 February) in retaliation for Pakistani airstrikes, the Taliban...
Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Thursday (26 February) that she had no information about the criminal activities of Jeffrey Eps...
Denmark will hold a parliamentary election on 24 March, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced on Thursday (26 February), as she seeks to capitali...
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s special envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, arrived in Geneva and may hold talks with U.S. officials, according to the RIA ne...
U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) documents have revealed the late Jeffrey Epstein’s extensive connections across politics, business and academia, pr...
At the opening of the Hanover industrial trade fair on Sunday, March 30, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that Europe is prepared to act as one if the United States imposes tariffs on steel and aluminum.
The CDU won Germany’s national election, with Friedrich Merz set to become chancellor. The far-right AfD made significant gains, while Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s SPD suffered a major setback.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has stated that Europe will not support any peace process that excludes Ukraine or calls for its demilitarisation, stressing that Europe’s involvement is crucial for any meaningful negotiations.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz criticized Elon Musk for using his media influence to interfere in global affairs and support far-right movements, expressing concern over its impact on democracy in Europe.
A F-16 fighter jet of the Turkish Air Force crashed near a highway in western Türkiye early on Wednesday (25 February), killing its pilot, officials and media reports confirmed.
Newcastle United secured a 3–2 victory over Qarabağ FK in the return leg of the UEFA Champions League play-offs at St James’ Park.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz agreed on Wednesday in Beijing to strengthen economic cooperation while addressing trade imbalances, market access concerns, and the war in Ukraine, during Merz’s first official visit to China since taking office.
U.S. President Donald Trump declared a “golden age” for America in his first second-term State of the Union on Tuesday evening, delivering the longest-ever address at more than 90 minutes. Here are the main takeaways.
President Donald Trump delivered the first State of the Union address of his second term to Congress on Wednesday (25 February), declaring that America’s “golden age” had begun and that the country was experiencing a “turnaround for the ages.”
Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Thursday (26 February) that she had no information about the criminal activities of Jeffrey Epstein and urged lawmakers to question President Donald Trump under oath about the disgraced financier.
Denmark will hold a parliamentary election on 24 March, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced on Thursday (26 February), as she seeks to capitalise on a surge in support for her defiant stance against U.S. pressure over Greenland.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s special envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, arrived in Geneva and may hold talks with U.S. officials, according to the RIA news agency.
U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) documents have revealed the late Jeffrey Epstein’s extensive connections across politics, business and academia, prompting resignations, investigations and renewed public scrutiny of his influence.
The president and chief executive of the World Economic Forum (WEF), Børge Brende, announced on Thursday (26 February) that he is stepping down, weeks after the organisation launched an independent investigation into his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment