The SPD leadership journeys to Duisburg to mark the end of the election campaign.

Political gatherings or groups. - The SPD leadership journeys to Duisburg to mark the end of the election campaign.

The senior figures of the SPD will convene in Duisburg on Saturday (3:00 PM) for the culmination of their European election campaign. This important industrial city and SPD stronghold is set to host party secretary Kevin Kühnert, along with leaders Lars Klingbeil and Saskia Esken. Additionally, the SPD's lead candidate Katarina Barley and Chancellor Olaf Scholz are expected to make an appearance.

Central themes for the SPD during their electoral campaign have been the battle against right-wing populism and conflict in Ukraine. Furthermore, the party has been expressing resistance against pension cuts and a demand for gradual increases in the minimum wage, culminating in an eventual goal of up to €15 per hour.

During the 2019 European elections, the SPD experienced significant losses, resulting in a third-place finish with 15.8% of votes nationwide. Their current standing in surveys ranges between 14-16%.

With Germany's elections underway, voting is currently underway in the Czech Republic (since Friday), Malta, Latvia, and Slovakia, with polls closing in Italy on Sunday. Beforehand, citizens of the Netherlands and Ireland had already cast their votes.

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1. Katarina Barley, the SPD's lead candidate for the European elections, will join her party members in Duisburg on Saturday for the conclusion of their campaign.
2. In addition to Barley, the SPD's Secretary Kevin Kühnert, Lars Klingbeil, and Saskia Esken are also scheduled to attend the Duisburg gathering.
3. Chancellor Olaf Scholz is expected to make an appearance at the political event, which is taking place in North Rhine-Westphalia, a traditional stronghold for the SPD.
4. During their election campaign, the SPD has focused on combating right-wing populism and supporting Ukraine, as well as advocating for pension increases and a higher minimum wage.
5. The upcoming European elections have seen the SPD suffer setbacks, with their performance in the 2019 elections resulting in a third-place finish with 15.8% of the vote nationwide.
6. Germany's national elections are ongoing, with voters in the Czech Republic, Malta, Latvia, and Slovakia casting their ballots this weekend, while citizens of the Netherlands and Ireland have already participated in the polls.
7. Olaf Scholz and Katarina Barley are not the only prominent political figures making appearances around Europe; the German national soccer team is currently participating in European Championship qualifying matches.

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