Janice R. Andrews
Germany is grappling with political uncertainty as Chancellor Olaf Scholz faces increasing calls to step down ahead of the February elections. Scholz, whose leadership has weakened in recent months, may be replaced by Defense Minister Boris Pistorius as the SPD’s candidate. Recent polls show Scholz at the bottom of a list of 20 top political figures, signaling a dramatic decline in public support.
The three-party coalition that has governed Germany since 2021 appears to be faltering, with Scholz’s leadership under intense scrutiny. With mounting concerns over his performance, the SPD risks a heavy defeat in the upcoming elections, particularly against CDU rival Friedrich Merz, who has garnered support for his strong stance on military aid to Ukraine.
Adding to the controversy, Scholz’s recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin—the first in nearly two years—has sparked backlash. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy criticized the call, warning it could harm global efforts to confront Russia. As tensions rise, Germany’s political future remains in jeopardy.
