The collapse of the governing coalition, low approval ratings for current Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and internal disputes within his party create an atmosphere of uncertainty ahead of the early elections scheduled for February 23.
As noted by European Truth, the Social Democratic Party of Germany stands on the brink of significant changes. The party's rating has fallen to third place behind the far-right "Alternative for Germany" (nearly 20%) and the leading party, the Christian Democratic Union, which may receive over 32%.
Scholz's weak position is exacerbated by a crisis of trust among party members. Well-known social democrats from Hamburg, the chancellor's hometown, have openly called for him to step aside in favor of Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.
Boris Pistorius, who took over the Ministry of Defense in January 2023, enjoys a high level of trust among voters due to his clear stance on defense policy. His statements about Germany's readiness for war and strong support for Ukraine distinguish him from other politicians.
However, Pistorius's path to leadership is not straightforward. Despite the favor of rank-and-file party members, he lacks clear backing from the SPD leadership. At the same time, polls show that 60% of party supporters want to see Pistorius as the chancellor candidate, while only 30% support Scholz.
The situation in Germany leaves many questions unanswered, but one thing is certain: the coming months will be crucial not only for the country's domestic policy but also for its foreign policy decisions, including support for Ukraine.