Saxony SPD's preference for candidate for chancellor unclear

Co-Chair: Where do high approval ratings for Pistorius come from?

"The so-called right of access has long been controversial and has also been rejected several times in the party's history; just take the decision of the two federal chairpersons Saskia Esken and Norbert Walter-Borjans not to stand as candidates in 2021," said Prause-Kosubek. As far as Pistorius is concerned, he sometimes wonders where his high approval ratings actually come from: "He has comparatively little to show in terms of the chancellor."

The Görlitz co-chairman finds his district association "torn" and includes himself. "We would probably have a better chance in a direct duel with Merz if Pistorius were the candidate." If the election date had remained at the end of September, a "slice-by-slice dismantling of Olaf Scholz would have been a logical consequence. At least we will be spared this."

Prause-Kosubek himself wants to stand as a direct candidate for Görlitz if his district association agrees. His opponent there will be the AfD national leader Tino Chrupalla. "My comrades and I will be focusing all our attention on this. The question of "Scholz or Pistorius" will only move us marginally."