Defense Minister Boris Pistorius of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) explained his decision not to rule out a possible candidacy for Chancellor by citing the uncertainty surrounding Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s re-election bid.
“If I had said, ‘I exclude the possibility of ever being a candidate for Chancellor,’ and a week later Chancellor Scholz had unexpectedly announced he would not run, I would have had to take back my statement or would no longer be considered a viable candidate” Pistorius told the Süddeutsche Zeitung in an interview.
He emphasized that this is an example of why one should be cautious in making definitive statements at this stage. Pistorius had previously stated that he would not rule out a candidacy, but only as a joke, as he had said he would not consider running for Pope. After a debate sparked by his initial statement, he met with Chancellor Scholz and the party leadership, ultimately deciding not to run.
When asked if he thought he was capable of holding the office, Pistorius stressed, “The question does not arise.” He expressed his desire to continue as Defense Minister after the next federal election, and even hinted at a potential collaboration under a Chancellor Friedrich Merz, stating, “The two years I had available were not enough.” Pistorius explained that he wants to remain Defense Minister because there is still much work to be done, not because he cannot envision another meaningful life path, but simply because there is still much to be accomplished.