New faces revive SPD campaign
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.BONN - In an attempt to breathe new life into an unhappy electoral campaign, Rudolf Scharping, leader of Germany's opposition Social Democrats (SPD), yesterday presented his team of 15 shadow ministers - including two of his most charismatic rivals in the party, who have so far remained aloof, writes Steve Crawshaw.
These are Gerhard Schroder, prime minister of the north-western state of Lower Saxony, and Oskar Lafontaine, who unsuccessfully challenged Helmut Kohl for the chancellorship in 1990. Mr Schroder gets the economics portfolio with Mr Lafontaine at finance.
By bringing Mr Schroder and Mr Lafontaine on board, the clear intended message is that the seriousness of Mr Scharping can be combined with the tough, no-nonsense approach of the two former rivals. SPD officials are also keen to emphasise the contrast between the SPD's collective troika and Chancellor Helmut Kohl, the single and unchallenged Christian Democrat leader, on the other.
Whether all this will be enough to save the Social Democrats from electoral defeat is another matter. The party was ahead in the polls six months ago, but is now several percentage points behind. The presence of Mr Schroder and Mr Lafontaine may help recover some ground. But, with less than seven weeks before polling day on 16 October, there is a lot of catching up to do in a short time.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments