GERMANY: SPD Moves To Back Scholz In 'K Question'-Tagesspiegel

Tagesspiegel reports that the centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) is poised to confirm incumbent Olaf Scholz as the party's chancellor candidate for the early federal election likely on 23 February. The so-called 'K question' has paralysed the SPD in recent days amid speculation that Scholz could be ousted in favour of Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, whose public approval ratings far exceed those of the incumbent. The report claims that it is "very, very certain that Olaf Scholz will be the candidate for chancellor," and that the confirmation could come as soon as Friday 22 November. SZ writes that according to party figures, Pistorius "is apparently no longer available to run for chancellor. He does not want to lead the SPD into the federal election at any price, it was said."

• Co-leader of the SPD Lars Klingbeil, speaking to Bild, does not offer any clear signal one way or the other, praising Pistorius' work as defence minister and acknowledging his public popularity, but emphasising the loyalty of he and the SPD leadership to Scholz. He does not comment regarding the prospect of an early decision, saying that the SPD conference on 11 January is where the decision will be confirmed.
• Opinion polls show the SPD continuing to trail the centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), the frontrunner to lead the next govt, and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). The level of support for the SPD in the election will have an important impact on the strength of the next gov't (a CDU-SPD coalition seen as likely) and its prospects of reforming the debt brake. 

Chart 1. Federal Election Opinion Polling, % and 6-Poll Moving Average