The German Social Democratic Party (SPD) holds its three-day congress in Berlin. Coincidentally, Olaf Scholz was elected chancellor at the head of a coalition with the Greens and the Liberals (FDP) two years ago to the day. But after two years marked by numerous crises and internal divisions, the Scholz style is less and less convincing, and officials openly criticize the chancellor’s management.
2 mins
With our correspondent in Berlin, Pascal Thibaut
This is the first time in four years that the SPD has organized a face-to-face congress. But for this reunion in Berlin from this Friday, December 8, it is not time for celebration. The Social Democrats could have celebrated the second anniversary of the current government since their Chancellor Olaf Scholz was elected on December 8, 2021 to succeed Angela Merkel.
Despite reforms adopted and promoted by the SPD such as the increase in the minimum wage or revised and revised social assistance, the massive unpopularity of the government and the chancellor is making activists feel uneasy. The SPD now obtains 14% in the polls, half as much as the Christian Democrats and is in third position behind the AfD, the far-right party. The coalition has been shaken by internal crises with today a 2024 budget which will no longer be finalized this year.
Stations of the Cross
THE SPD wants to give a boost to the left during its congress by proposing higher taxes for the richest, a less restrictive migration policy than that defended by the chancellor, by asking for a relaxation or removal of the debt brake.
For Olaf Scholz, who is due to speak on Saturday, this second anniversary in power resembles a station of the cross. The chancellor didn’t even have time to celebrate his silver wedding anniversary with his wife.
Read alsoGermany: the left of the left is torn apart, Die Linke loses its parliamentary group