Politics
Germany's Scholz Open to Running for a Second Term
In preparation for the federal elections in September 2025, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has announced his willingness to seek a second term. His official nomination by the Social Democratic Party (SPD) is still pending.
"I will run to become chancellor again," Scholz stated at the summer press conference in Berlin. He highlighted the SPD's unity and determination to campaign together and secure victory. Scholz emphasized that key tasks for the next term include addressing budget issues, reforming migration rules, and tackling the skilled labor shortage by attracting international talent. He stressed that while immigration is beneficial for stabilizing Germany, those who cannot stay must be sent back.
Scholz's first term was marked by challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the energy crisis, and economic downturn. His coalition government has faced internal divisions and public disagreements on fundamental issues.
Recent voter support for the SPD and its coalition partners—the Free Democratic Party (FDP) and the Greens—has declined, as evidenced by poor European election results and falling poll numbers. In the latest European elections, the governing parties received only a third of the vote, with the SPD securing just 13.9 percent, its lowest ever in a nationwide election. The conservative CDU/CSU and the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AFD) emerged with over 45 percent combined.
In terms of political satisfaction, Scholz is positioned in the middle of the field. His party colleague, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, enjoys the highest trust from voters, followed by CDU/CSU members who currently hold governing roles at the state level.
As the 2025 federal elections approach, Scholz aims to regain voter support through plans for modernization and unity.
