Scholz Steals From Merkel’s Playbook to Shake Up German Vote

Finance minister’s popularity fuels the SPD’s poll surge
Scholz’s party is still his biggest hurdle to chancellery

WATCH: The three frontrunners vying to take over for Angela Merkel faced off in the first televised election debate of the German Election. (Source: Bloomberg)

Provide news feedback or report an error

Confidential tip?

Send a tip to our reporters

Site feedback:

Take our Survey

By Birgit Jennen and Arne Delfs

August 30, 2021 at 3:00 AM UTC

Updated on

August 30, 2021 at 9:44 AM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

As Angela Merkel prepares to hand over the reins of German power, Finance Minister Olaf Scholz is making the case that he’s her rightful heir and it appears to be working.

A distant third just weeks ago, Scholz’s Social Democrats have moved level with her conservatives, and even lead in several polls. If the momentum holds until the Sept. 26 election, it would mark one of the most remarkable political turnarounds in German history.