In view of the massive criticism of Gerhard Schröder, party colleagues have emphasized the “great merits” of the former chancellor. According to SPD general secretary Kühnert, Schröder’s commitment in Russia will not result in an expulsion from the party.
Former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder does not have to fear being expelled from the SPD because of his controversial statements on the Ukraine conflict and his connections to Russia’s President Vladimir Putin. “German party law, and incidentally also the statute of the SPD, does not provide for party exclusions for violent differences of opinion, provocations or business interests,” said SPD general secretary Kevin Kühnert of the “Rheinische Post”. His party is proud of its democratic culture and the rules of the game, “which differ from those in, let’s say, Moscow.”
SPD colleague praises “great merits” of the former chancellor
SPD faction leader Rolf Mützenich has emphasized the “great merits” of his party colleague. When asked about Schröder’s commitment to the Russian energy industry, Mützenich told the newspapers of the Funke media group: “I take the same view as one of my predecessors, Peter Struck: I wouldn’t have done it.” However, he added: Irrespective of this, Schröder had done a great job as Chancellor. “He led our country through an existential crisis in social and economic policy. I give him credit for that – as well as his no to the Iraq war.” When asked whether it was a private matter for a former chancellor to become a lobbyist for Russian gas, Mützenich said: “Gerhard Schröder has the right to a private life. In addition to his economic activities, he is also heavily involved in humanitarian initiatives and supports artists.”
Gerhard Schröder becomes a member of the supervisory board at Gazprom
In the summer, Schröder is to join the supervisory board of the Russian gas giant Gazprom in addition to his existing mandates. From the SPD point of view, that doesn’t change anything: “His statements have no impact on government policy and will not have that in the future either – no matter what further professional path Gerhard Schröder takes,” affirmed Kühnert. The SPD leadership recently asked Schröder to refrain from making public statements about the Ukraine conflict. Earlier, the 77-year-old former Chancellor sparked outrage by accusing Ukraine of “saber-rattling”. Most recently, however, the left-wing MP Gregor Gysi Schröder, together with his successor Angela Merkel (CDU), proposed as a mediator in the crisis.
No relaxation in the Ukraine conflict
Moscow states that it feels threatened by NATO’s eastward expansion and, according to Western information, has gathered around 150,000 soldiers on the border with Ukraine. Including the troops of the pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine, there could be up to 190,000 soldiers. However, Moscow denies any attack plans. In a conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday, Putin said he denounced “provocations” by the Ukrainian army.
Source: Stern
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