German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has stated his primary goal is reelection.
In a recent interview, Chancellor Olaf Scholz confirmed his intention to leave politics upon the conclusion of his current term. While a federal election is imminent, he emphasized his focus remains on his present duties.
Current polls suggest his Social Democrats (SPD) are trailing the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Alternative for Germany (AfD) in the February 23rd election. Scholz’s cautious approach to military aid for Ukraine has drawn criticism.
“My Plan A is to be re-elected as chancellor,” Scholz declared. He confirmed this would be his final political role, stating, “Yes, I think that will stop later. From my point of view, it’s not like something else is yet to come.”
Following the collapse of his coalition government in November 2024, triggering new elections, media reports surfaced about potential replacements within the SPD, including Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. However, Pistorius publicly supported Scholz’s candidacy.
Scholz’s nomination speech prioritized peace, economic recovery, and addressing the cost-of-living crisis. Having served as chancellor since 2021, he previously held the positions of finance minister and vice chancellor.
Reflecting on his career, he noted, “I had the honor to do something for my country for many years, and I hope I can do that for a long time. But after that, the time as a normal citizen has come again.”
Securing another term seems unlikely, with recent polls showing the CDU/CSU enjoying a significant lead under Friedrich Merz. The SPD is projected to lose considerable support, while the AfD’s vote share is expected to double.
Scholz discussed the demands of leadership, stating that while challenging, he doesn’t feel isolated. “I don’t think it’s that lonely. I have a lot of people I can talk to. But you should know, if you want to hold such an office, that it really comes down to you and that you make the decisions yourself,” he explained.
A trained lawyer, Scholz clarified he won’t return to legal practice. “I’m still a lawyer, as far as the application is concerned, but it’s also exciting what I’ve been doing since 1998,” he said, reiterating his retirement from politics after his chancellorship.