Germany's SDP candidate on need for NATO commitment

German Social Democratic Party candidate Olaf Scholz emphasised the need for Berlin  to have "a strong commitment to NATO".

Speaking to reporters on Monday in Paris following his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, Scholz said that a strong participation in NATO would ensure the security of Germany and the European Union.

He added that he spoke with Macron about the furutre of the European Union and European "sovereignty".

Germany's parliamentary election takes place on September 26.

Scholz is currently leading in the polls against Armin Laschet, Merkel's successor as the centre-right Union bloc's candidate.

Scholz has been serving as vice chancellor and finance minister under Merkel's coalition government.

IMAGE: AP