Oliver Ruhnert to pause time at Union Berlin in January to pursue career in politics

Union Berlin have announced that chief scout Oliver Ruhnert will pause his time at the club in January as he looks to be elected to the German government. 

From January, Ruhnert will devote his time to campaigning for a place in the Bundestag in the election, which is expected to be announced to take place on February 2025 when incumbent chancellor Olaf Scholz loses his vote of no confidence which is set for next month. 

Ruhnert is said to be running in the state of Berlin and is the main candidate for Sahra Wagenknecht’s Alliance Party in the capital. The party is said to be on the left of the political spectrum, whilst having mainly conservative social views on issues such as immigration and trans-rights. Ruhnert was previously active in politics in his home town of Iserlohn and has stated his desire to be elected to the Bundestag. 

When Ruhnert will return to Union is unknown and a return will likely depend on if he is successful in his venture to be elected to the German government. The former Schalke scout was key in the arrival of the players for Union who were central in their Champions League adventure last season. 

GGFN | Jack Meenan