On January 11, 2025, the Social Democratic Party (SPD) held a congress in Berlin where delegates overwhelmingly supported Chancellor Olaf Scholz's leadership, with only a few dissenting votes. During his address, Scholz emphasized that Germany is at a 'crossroads' and called for fair wages, affordable housing, and stable pensions for the populace. He criticized the conservative CDU/CSU alliance for lacking clear policies on labor shortages and clean energy transition.
Scholz also asserted the importance of sovereign borders, referencing recent comments by US President-elect Donald Trump regarding Greenland. He stated that no country should fear its larger neighbors, reinforcing the principles of Western values.
Recent polls indicate the SPD may secure third place in the upcoming February elections, trailing behind the CDU/CSU and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). CDU leader Friedrich Merz has called for significant changes, aiming to establish a government that prioritizes unity over conflict.
Meanwhile, the AfD held a campaign event that was met with protests from thousands of demonstrators. The party officially nominated co-leader Alice Weidel as its candidate for chancellor, further intensifying the political landscape.