Pistorius stated he did not want to be a candidate, emphasizing that his withdrawal was a personal decision amid party pressures. He felt it was his own, sovereign choice.
The decision to nominate Scholz after Pistorius' withdrawal highlights internal tensions within the SPD, where Scholz is viewed as a default choice rather than a popular leader.
Der Spiegel referred to Scholz as possibly the weakest candidate in post-war Germany while suggesting that Merz's position as the next chancellor is becoming increasingly secure.
Support for Pistorius among party members before his withdrawal indicates a lack of confidence in Scholz, creating uncertainty for the SPD going into the February elections.
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