German ex-chancellor Gerhard Schröder (SPD), who has been criticized for his connections to Russia, is relaxed about a possible expulsion from the party. In an interview, he emphasized that he would not change his fundamental political position.
“I look at the batch ordering process with calmness. I am and remain a social democrat,” he told the German weekly “Spiegel” on Friday. According to the report, Schröder emphasized that the outcome of the proceedings would not affect his fundamental political beliefs.
“I have never voted for anything other than the SPD in my political life. That will also be the case in the future, even if one or the other from the SPD leadership may be making it a little difficult for me at the moment.” He stressed: “My basic political attitude will not change.”
Criticism of friend Putin does not stop
Schröder has been criticized for years for his commitment to Russian state-owned companies. After the Russian attack on Ukraine, the pressure on him had increased. Several motions to remove the party were made. The hearing is scheduled for June 22 in Hanover.
The arbitration committee of the SPD district of Hanover is responsible for the party organization procedure because Schröder is a member of the affiliated SPD local association Oststadt-Zoo.
Offers from Russia rejected
It is unclear whether Schröder himself will appear at the hearing. The “Spiegel” reported last week that the former German chancellor would not be nominated and would not be legally represented.
Schröder finally announced in May that he would be leaving the board of directors of Russian energy giant Rosneft and turned down a nomination for a board position at Gazprom. He has been close friends with Russian President Vladimir Putin since his time as chancellor (1998 to 2005).
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
