Despite the consistently poor opinion polls for the SPD and its now officially nominated chancellor candidate Olaf Scholz, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius continues to stand by his decision to step down in November and his party’s choice. “The decision for Olaf Scholz was and is right” he told the “Tagesspiegel” (Sunday edition).
“I will do everything to ensure Olaf Scholz remains Chancellor” he added, stating that there were no irritations between him and Scholz, and therefore, none have lingered.
He acknowledged that the starting position for the SPD is difficult. “The polls are not all that good for us at the moment, that’s undeniable” Pistorius said, “For me, it’s a motivation.” In his view, a winning election is still possible: “We have experienced quite other comebacks – it now comes down to how we turn the corner.”
He will now “accomplish some election campaign appearances” but not together with the Chancellor: “Joint appearances with Olaf Scholz are not currently planned, because we want to reach as many people as possible at different locations at the same time.