German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) was officially confirmed as the party’s candidate for chancellor at the Social Democratic Party’s federal convention in Berlin on Saturday. In an open ballot, five delegates voted against him, while there were no abstentions. In his last leadership election in May 2021, Scholz had received 96.2% of the vote in a secret ballot. After his re-election, he swore to pursue an “overtaking drive.” “We will win” he concluded.
In his campaign speech, Scholz had previously outlined the SPD’s election program and also criticized the CDU’s proposals. He advocated for increasing the minimum wage to 15 euros, stating, “Millions of employees, particularly in eastern Germany and women, will directly benefit from this increase.” The program primarily focuses on investments in the economy and infrastructure, as well as social justice.
According to Scholz, the CDU, on the other hand, allegedly only aims to benefit the wealthy. Moreover, the union’s proposals are not financed, he claimed. In contrast, the SPD’s proposals are to be financed through a “clever reform” of the debt rules, “limited to investments in our security, the modernization of our country, and our safety” said the SPD politician.