Scholz sprint shakes up race to succeed Germany's Merkel

FILE PHOTO: SPD Chancellor candidate Olaf Scholz speaks during an event to kick off his campaign, in Bochum, Germany, August 14, 2021. REUTERS/Leon Kuegeler

BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany's Social Democrat leader Olaf Scholz looks increasingly likely to lead a left-leaning government after Germany's national election next month, positioning himself as a natural successor to longtime chancellor, Angela Merkel.

Scholz has led his party from third place a month ago to leader in one poll out on Tuesday https://reut.rs/2XIINCI, a remarkable turnaround for both his party and its rival conservatives, who risk losing power after four consecutive election victories under Merkel.