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Social Democratic Party (SPD)

Germany’s oldest party was founded in 1875, and is described as "center-left". It roots in the 19th century labor movement.

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News

Germany: CDU's Spahn says non-integrated Syrians should go

German election: Scholz plans Trump visit before vote

Berlin: 4 teens arrested for attack on SPD election helper

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Reports & Analysis

Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrives for a plenary session during an EU Summit at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Friday, Nov. 8, 2024.

Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrives for a plenary session during an EU Summit at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Friday, Nov. 8, 2024.

How German Chancellor Olaf Scholz became so unpopular

How German Chancellor Olaf Scholz became so unpopular

Despite poor polling, Scholz is set to again be the Social Democrats' top candidate in February's early elections.

Friedrich Merz in conversation with his party's lawmakers

Friedrich Merz in conversation with his party's lawmakers

German election 2025: Parties present campaign platforms

German election 2025: Parties present campaign platforms

In their draft election manifestos, Germany's political parties focus on income, the economy and jobs.

Germany I German Chancellor Olaf Scholz speaks during a meeting of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD)

Germany I German Chancellor Olaf Scholz speaks during a meeting of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD)

Why German Chancellor Olaf Scholz now faces confidence vote

Why German Chancellor Olaf Scholz now faces confidence vote

Germany's Chancellor Scholz is widely expected to lose the vote in parliament, paving the way to early elections.

Demonstration banner calling for the abolition of paragraph 218

Demonstration banner calling for the abolition of paragraph 218

Abortion in Germany: Preelection push for liberalization

Abortion in Germany: Preelection push for liberalization

A cross-party initiative wants to decriminalize abortion in the early stage of pregnancy. But conservatives are opposed.

An 2014 archive image of surgeons performing intervertebral disc surgery on the lumbar spine

An 2014 archive image of surgeons performing intervertebral disc surgery on the lumbar spine

Germany begins major reform of its hospital sector

Germany begins major reform of its hospital sector

Germany is forging ahead with a plan to slash the number of hospitals and digitalize bureaucracy.

Boris Pistorius

Boris Pistorius

Is Boris Pistorius the man for the job of German chancellor?

Is Boris Pistorius the man for the job of German chancellor?

Defense Minister Pistorius is Germany's most popular politician — and many want to see him as candidate for chancellor.

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In the spotlight

Scholz speaking to Merz on the sidelines of a debate in the Bundestag parliament

Scholz speaking to Merz on the sidelines of a debate in the Bundestag parliament

Germany's election campaigning kicks off in parliament

Chancellor Scholz wants opposition help to pass legislation before the election, but the conservative CDU is reluctant.

A closeup view of a ballot paper, a pencil and a pile of badges showing political party logos

A closeup view of a ballot paper, a pencil and a pile of badges showing political party logos

Germany faces major challenges ahead of snap election

The opposition has accused Olaf Scholz of stalling, while others have been arguing that local authorities need time.

Nach Ampel-Aus | Bundespräsident Steinmeier übergibt Entlassungsurkunde an Lindner

Nach Ampel-Aus | Bundespräsident Steinmeier übergibt Entlassungsurkunde an Lindner

Germany's governing coalition collapses: What now?

Chancellor Olaf Scholz, of the Social Democratic party, has called for a confidence-vote in January.

Olaf Scholz addressing the media on Wednesday evening (November 6, 2024)

Olaf Scholz addressing the media on Wednesday evening (November 6, 2024)

German Chancellor Scholz runs out of patience with coalition

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz displayed unusual fervor in explaining why he sacked his FDP coalition partner.

Left to right: Robert Habeck, Olaf Scholz, Christian Lindner

Left to right: Robert Habeck, Olaf Scholz, Christian Lindner

German government descends into crisis mode

Chancellor Olaf Scholz is trying to hold his government together, but his partners seem unable to stop infighting.

An outside view of the chancellor's office, with the heads of Finance Minister Christian Lindner (L) and Chancellor Olaf Scholz (R) just visible

An outside view of the chancellor's office, with the heads of Finance Minister Christian Lindner (L) and Chancellor Olaf Scholz (R) just visible

Why Germany's coalition government is under threat

The FDP finance minister has triggered a dispute that observers say is backing his coalition partners into a corner.

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