No other name has been heard more in the political corridors and the German media lately than that of Boris Pistorius, the 64-year-old vice president. Defense of co-government under Olaf Solz.

He is the second sub. Defense of the Zeitenwende, i.e. the German turn in security policy, after the resignation of his predecessor Christine Lambrecht, who was called to carry out a titanic task: the support of Ukraine with German weapons and the radical restructuring of the fragile German armed forces.

The famous phrase “Germany must become ready for war by 2029” also belongs to Pistorius in an attempt on the one hand to demonstrate the Russian danger and on the other hand to awaken to the need for serious investments and changes in the German troops.

The most beloved politician in Germany

Pistorius, so far at least, is consistently getting ‘high marks’ from citizens in Germany. Since he took over as Minister of Defense he has been the most popular German politician by far. According to a recent poll by the institute Insa, he is the most loved German politician, with Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Zender from the CSU in second place, Hendrik Wüst, Premier of North Rhine-Westphalia from the CDU in third and the CDU leader and candidate in fourth chancellor Friedrich Mertz.

But the element that causes concern for Olaf Solz is that in the list of the twenty most loved politicians he comes second to last, in 19th place, one place before the co-chairman of the far-right Alternative for Germany Tino Krupala. In the same poll, 41.5% answered the question of who do you consider more suitable chancellor from the Social Democrats Boris Pistorius and only 15.8% Olaf Solz.

Current in favor of Pistorius within the SPD

For now, officially at least, the Social Democrats are backing Chancellor Olaf Solz. He has declared that he will be “the next chancellor” and Boris Pistorius, who keeps a very low profile, says that “there is a chancellor”. However, according to a report by Spiegel, a group of parliamentarians, the so-called “Seeheimer Kreis”, is now reportedly lining up in favor of a Pistorius candidacy for the chancellorship.

The specific circle of Social Democrats, according to the report, considers a Solz candidacy unthinkable, because it would lead to the destruction of the party. It is also heard that some MPs close to the group say they do not intend to campaign for Soltz. On the other hand, party co-chairman Lars Klingbeil is calling on party members to unite and support Solz, believing that the dilemma now should be Mertz or Solz, not Solz or Pistorius.

As Zeit observes in any case time is pressing and the SPD will have to propose a chancellor candidate. A first decision by the party’s presidium is expected at a special event on November 30, while the congress of the Social Democrats, where the nomination will be ratified, is expected on January 11.

Lawyer, mayor of Osnabrück, Ministry of Defence

Boris Pistorius, however, for his part, regardless of whether he ultimately runs for the chancellorship or not, has come to the center of German political life to stay. With a long career of more than thirty years all the way up the administrative hierarchy, he is not a firework politician, but has experience in several key administrative posts starting in Osnabrück, his hometown.

After studying first in commerce and then in law, he started practicing law until he moved to administrative positions from 1991 in the state of Lower Saxony. Little by little he developed in the hierarchy and from 2006 to 2013 he was the mayor of Osnabrück. From 2013 to 2023 he was deputy of Interior and Sports in the state of Lower Saxony and from January 2023 federal sub. Defense.

Those political correspondents who have followed him on difficult missions in recent years say he speaks simply and clearly and can easily explain the country’s defense strategy. He stands out, they say, for his direct communication and relaxed style, as well as his good manners. He speaks English, French and Russian, which have been especially useful in recent years.