The SPD congress endorsed Scholz's candidacy for the position of Chancellor of Germany.

In his speech at the congress, 66-year-old Scholz stated that the upcoming elections would be a guiding decision. He described the SPD as a party of "normal people." The Chancellor also mentioned that Germany "stands at a crossroads." According to him, if Germans "turn in the wrong direction" on election day for the Bundestag, "the next morning" everyone will wake up in a new country. "This must not happen," Scholz emphasized.

At the same time, Scholz pointed to the "damn difficult" situation in the world, where the German government must act with caution, clarity, and experience. He highlighted that the situation in Ukraine, the rise of right-wing populists in many countries, such as Austria, and "forces in the USA that are actively working to undermine Western democratic institutions" are of particular concern.

"If Putin succeeds in changing borders by force, then Europe as a whole will be in great danger," Scholz said, discussing Ukraine. The Chancellor declared that Germany's support for Kyiv would remain unchanged, including military assistance. He stated that Germany would not only continue to be the European country providing the most aid to Ukraine but also promised to do "even more for Ukraine's security." However, this must happen "without compromising other tasks facing Germany." "Aid to Ukraine should not come at the expense of pensioners, support for small regions in Germany, and other social assistance," Scholz emphasized.

While speaking about Ukraine, the Chancellor also stated: "Killings must stop, but not on terms of peace dictated by Russia." According to him, the SPD advocates for both assistance to Ukraine and preventing further escalation of the war.

Scholz also responded to Donald Trump's remarks regarding the possibility of the USA taking control of Greenland, noting that the principle of inviolability of borders applies to every country, and each state must adhere to it.

At the SPD congress on Saturday, the party's program for the Bundestag elections was adopted. It includes tax relief for part of the population with lower incomes and tax increases for the wealthy. Additionally, the social democrats plan to increase investments in the economy and support industrial enterprises.

Several weeks ago, the SPD decided to nominate Olaf Scholz as their candidate for Chancellor, rejecting the candidacy of Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, who is currently leading in the ratings of German politicians. At the congress, Pistorius expressed his strong support for the Chancellor. In his speech, he was generous with praise, noting that Scholz has demonstrated "leadership qualities, courage, and a willingness to clearly defend his beliefs." Pistorius emphasized that he would personally fight "for a safe Germany and for Scholz."

The Bundestag elections are set to take place on February 23. The Chancellor is typically elected by parliament after elections based on preliminary agreements among potential coalition parties. Usually, the leader of the winning party becomes the head of the executive branch. According to the latest voter ratings, the conservative CDU/CSU bloc currently holds the top position. Its candidate for Chancellor is the leader of the CDU, Friedrich Merz. Experts believe that Scholz's chances of regaining the position of head of the cabinet are minimal.