Media assess Scholz's chances of re-election for second term
Photo: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (Getty Images)
New elections for the Bundestag in Germany will be held on February 23, 2025. However, Olaf Scholz's chances of being re-elected for a new term are rapidly decreasing, Bild reports.
According to surveys referenced by the media, Scholz's chances of re-election are shrinking daily. The support for his party, the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD), stands at only 14-16%, while the CDU/CSU bloc (which includes the Christian Democratic Union of Germany and the Christian Social Union in Bavaria) is gaining 31-33%.
For comparison, the gap between the parties was only 9.5% before the 2021 elections, and Scholz managed to make a breakthrough, surpassing his competitors. However, experts believe that repeating this success now is almost impossible.
"The gap is too large to overcome," said Hermann Binkert, Head of the INSA Sociological Institute.
Analysts interviewed by the media believe that Scholz could only win if Friedrich Merz or his party made serious mistakes. Otherwise, Scholz is likely to lose the position of Chancellor to his opponent.
Elections in Germany
Recently, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier dissolved the current parliament, stating that in challenging times, Germany needs "an effective government and stability in the parliament."
As a result, preparations have begun for the elections to the new Bundestag, which will take place on February 23, 2025. The term of office for Bundestag deputies is 4 years.
The main candidates for the position of Chancellor are the current head of government, Olaf Scholz (SPD), and the leader of the opposition, Friedrich Merz (CDU).
Earlier, on November 6, Chancellor Scholz dismissed Finance Minister Christian Lindner. At that time, it was speculated that the "traffic light coalition" might collapse. For more on the political situation in Germany, read our article on the topic.
