Olaf Scholz Hints at Kamala Harris's Potential Win in U.S. Election

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz praised U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris as a competent and experienced politician, suggesting she could win the U.S. election. Scholz had endorsed Joe Biden before his withdrawal. Concerns over potential Trump policies linger among German politicians. Scholz also addressed his own political future and Germany's economic policies.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz lauded U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris as a "competent and experienced" politician who could potentially win the upcoming U.S. election. While he stopped short of outright endorsing her over Republican Donald Trump, Scholz had previously been vocal in his support for Joe Biden before Biden withdrew from the race, endorsing Harris as the Democratic candidate to face Trump in the November election.

German politicians have expressed concerns about the possible consequences of a Trump victory, including heightened tariffs and doubts about the U.S. commitment to NATO. Trump's first term saw him frequently criticize Germany for its trade surplus with the U.S. and its lower defense spending, although Berlin has increased its defense budget in recent years.

"The election campaign in the USA will certainly be exciting, now with a slightly new line-up," Scholz remarked at an annual summer news conference. "I think it is very possible that Kamala Harris will win the election, but the American voters will decide." Scholz noted that he had met Harris several times and praised her competence and experience.

Scholz also defended his government's economic policies and reaffirmed his intent to seek reelection despite poor poll ratings. Jokingly addressing a question about potentially renouncing his reelection bid, Scholz stated, "No, the SPD is united and we are determined to win. I will run as chancellor to become chancellor again." His tenure has seen significant challenges, notably Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the loss of cheap Russian gas imports impacting the German economy.