Former German Chancellor Schröder criticised for attending Putin's birthday

Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder's attendance at Russian President Vladimir Putin's birthday celebration in Moscow has sparked widespread criticism in Berlin. Schröder, aged 82, has once again drawn ire for his apparent closeness to the Kremlin leader, which many political figures in Germany have found troubling, given the current global tensions.

The incident has triggered significant backlash, beginning at the highest levels of the German government. Deputy government spokesperson Steffen Meyer voiced the sentiments of Chancellor Friedrich Merz, stating that Merz was "deeply outraged" by Schröder's meeting with Putin. The anger stems from the belief that Putin is responsible for immense suffering and countless deaths in Ukraine. Meyer conveyed that the Chancellor considered Schröder's participation in the celebration as "almost immoral."

Schröder's actions have been described as "completely unacceptable" by Lars Klingbeil, Vice Chancellor of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), which Schröder once led. Despite attempts to expel Schröder from the party, a degree of resignation has settled among party members, who, while not supporting Schröder, have largely chosen to ignore him. Current SPD co-chair Bärbel Bas remarked on the apparent tarnishing of Schröder's political legacy, calling it "simply sad."

Katrin Göring-Eckhart of the Green Party expressed anger and described Schröder's actions as a "disgrace and a betrayal to Europe," suggesting that it harms the cause of peace. Similarly, FDP politician and Chair of the Defense Committee of the European Parliament, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, referred to Schröder as Germany's "cheekiest retiree." She criticized him for being "too ill" for parliamentary inquiries yet fit enough for lucrative positions in Russia and celebrations with Putin, which she described as "an unparalleled disgrace."

Details about the birthday event are sparse, but a photograph depicting Schröder shaking hands with Putin has circulated, highlighting their enduring friendship. This is not the only instance of Schröder and Putin commemorating personal milestones together. Putin previously attended Schröder's 60th birthday in Hanover with a Cossack choir, and the duo celebrated Schröder's 70th birthday with a sledding trip in St. Petersburg. Schröder has maintained his stance on his relationship with Putin, stating that he does not allow others to dictate his personal choices in this matter.

Source: tagesschau.de

Presidential Press and Information Office