It is already fourth counter-candidacy to designated SPD chairman Andrea Nahles: The Rhineland-Palatinate Mario Lavan from Waldlaubersheim (district Bad Kreuznach) wants to stand for election for party presidency.

"I have personally decided on this step, because I too am convinced that SPD must aspire to a circular renewal in leadership," said Lavan. He wanted to make it clear that many people in party could imagine participating in this renewal. "I emphasize that this decision was taken by me," said Lavan.

The chairman of Lava's SPD-local association Ingelheim, Roland Schäfer, said that candidacy was not coordinated with SPD local association. However, each member has opportunity to run for offices.

The SPD leader had nominated Nahles after resignation of Martin Schulz for Office of Party chairmen. This was criticised in party, as base was not questioned. After counter-candidacy of Flensburg Mayor Simone Lange, Dithmarsch SPD vice-Kreischef Dirk Diedrich and local club chairman of SPD Stade at Bremerhaven, Udo Schmitz, also announced that y would be able to make ir choice. The vote will take place at National Party Congress on 22 April in Wiesbaden.

Date Of Update: 25 February 2018, 12:03