How Martin Schulz can defeat Angela Merkel in the German election 2017

Mr Schulz plans to focus on social justice and equality, according to Sophia Besch, a research fellow at the Centre for European Reform (CER). “He’s going to have to prove himself over the next couple of months. He is an unknown quantity in German domestic politics,” she said. Ms Besch said that Mr Schulz could revitalise the party because he is a “relatively new face” but he may have trouble appealing to its core supporters.

“His strengths are his experience in Brussels, his appeal as a passionate politician and good speaker, and, despite his long years in Brussels, being  a ‘fresh face’ in domestic politics," she added. 

“His personal polling numbers are high right now, but his challenge will be to establish a profile and make voters aware of his political priorities over the coming months. 

“He is under time pressure, federal elections are in September, and the Social Democrats polling numbers are low.”