Is Olaf Scholz the right candidate for chancellor? SPD chairman Lars Klingbeil is in favor of this, but also criticizes the incumbent chancellor.
Hamburg – The pressure on Olaf Scholz is increasing. With the selection of Friedrich Merz as candidate for chancellor, the incumbent chancellor is in direct competition with the Christian Democrat. Surveys have already shown that many people consider Merz to be more competent than Scholz.
Voices from the SPD also suggest that there are disagreements within the party regarding his candidacy. On Tuesday evening, SPD chairman Lars Klingbeil made a statement in the Talk show Markus Lanz on ZDF on this topic. He supported Scholz, but also expected a clear stance from him.
Chancellor must take a clear stance: SPD expects a “different performance” from Scholz
The internal party disagreements were also discussed in the panel discussion. Nevertheless, Klingbeil answered the question about the candidate firmly: He had clearly positioned himself and wanted to run with Olaf Scholz as a candidate in the next election. This opinion is also anchored in the SPD leadership.
In this context, he also commented on the statement made by Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter (SPD). In an interview, Reiter had questioned Olaf Scholz’s candidacy for chancellor and accused the Defense Minister Boris Pistorius as an alternative for the 2025 federal election. His criticism of the current chancellor was primarily related to his hesitant and unclear communication. “People want a chancellor who talks to them, who understands them, who knows what moves them, who is present,” said Reiter. In contrast, Pistorius, with his clear communication and authenticity, is a suitable candidate.
“I’m not blind”: SPD chairman is aware of the problems
Klingbeil said he had a different opinion. He knew what the SPD had to do in the next 12 to 13 months. “I’m not blind. I know what the job of the party chairman, the chancellor, and the entire SPD leadership is. But if you ask me today whether we are unclear about personnel decisions, then I can say quite clearly: No, we are not.”
Such disagreements, such as Reiter’s criticism of Scholz and Saskia Esken, are normal, says Klingbeil: “It is part of every popular party that there are critical debates. When I look at the values that we have, when I look at Olaf Scholz’s personal values, then I can also explain why such debates are arising right now.” Nevertheless, he is not yet giving up hope: “I am convinced that election victories can be organized. That is now the obligation that I have as party leader. I have an expectation of everyone who helps.”
Klingbeil wants more action from Scholz and SPD instead of moderation
The expectations also apply to the Chancellor, Klingbeil made clear. It is especially important that “we now take a clear position with a different performance, with clarity on issues, by moving away from the moderating role of this government.” The SPD must show “that we want to win this election, that we can do it together.”
When asked what should be changed in the performance, Klingbeil said: “We have been in a moderating role in this government for far too long.” He also criticized the cooperation within the coalition. “There has been far too much arguing. I have now publicly criticized that countless times. I would have liked a different performance.”
Chancellor must radiate “a clear stance” in the coming months
Despite his criticism, the 46-year-old was convinced that elections and polls could be turned around in twelve months. He said it was important to show clearly in the coming months what the party still wants to achieve during its time in government. According to Klingbeil, this includes the pension package, but also saving industrial jobs.
“The SPD, the SPD leadership, the Chancellor must convey the message: We are fighting for every industrial job in this country. That is different from saying I am moderating,” said Klingbeil. He expects “a clear stance,” in other words, a message that says: “I am fighting for something.” (gel)
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