Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD) is embroiled in a leadership crisis as the country heads towards a Bundestag election on February 23. Current Chancellor Olaf Scholz is facing internal party debates over his candidacy, with some influential SPD members favoring Defense Minister Boris Pistorius as a better candidate.

Despite Scholz's insistence on party unity and support, the SPD leadership has yet to publicly nominate a candidate, leading to a state of uncertainty.

Former SPD leaders have criticized the ongoing debate, warning it could harm the party's electoral prospects.

The SPD plans to finalize its decision by November 30, with a party congress set for January 11 to confirm the choice.