Former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder remains a member of the SPD

Former chancellor Gerhard Schröder's closeness to Russia has not resulted in party fines from the SPD. The arbitration commission of the SPD district of Hanover rejected applications from several SPD branches in the second instance in a decision that was available to the German Press Agency on Thursday. Several media had previously reported about it.

Schröder was criticized primarily for his work for Russian state companies and his lack of distance from the Russian attack on Ukraine.

According to the current decision, it cannot be "determined with sufficient certainty" that Schröder violated statutes, principles or the party order or was guilty of an dishonorable act.

"It is possible that top German politicians have misjudged the dangers of being dependent on Russian energy supplies over the past 25 years." But this also applies to other politicians in the SPD and other parties. "To accuse the opponent of such a misjudgment, however, goes too far."

The SPD branches that had applied for the appeal could now apply for an appeal to the SPD Federal Arbitration Commission. However, it is considered rather unlikely that a further appeal would be allowed after two acquittals in the first instance.

The party organization procedure was initially initiated by 17 SPD branches. In the first instance, the SPD sub-district Region Hannover ruled in the summer that Schröder had not violated party rules. In contrast, seven SPD branches appealed. The hearing on this took place at the beginning of December – it took two and a half months until the decision that has now been announced.

However, the proceedings show that the former chancellor's commitment to Russian state-owned companies and his position on the Ukraine war have made him many opponents within his own party. As early as April 2022, SPD leader Saskia Esken suggested that the former chancellor leave the party. However, Schröder is not completely isolated in the SPD.

In the event of a violation, according to the SPD regulations, Schröder's exclusion from the SPD would have been the severest punishment. However, it was said early on that this step was unlikely for legal reasons. Milder sanctions were a reprimand or a temporary denial of the right to hold party functions.

Schröder is considered a close friend of Russian President Vladimir Putin and has worked for Russian energy companies for years. With regard to Russia's attack on Ukraine, Schröder stated that it was Russia's responsibility to end the war. However, the ties to Russia should not be completely severed.

After the decision of an SPD arbitration commission for former chancellor Gerhard Schröder to stay in the party, the SPD district association Mettmann wants to appeal the party order procedure. In addition, a classification by Jacques Schuster, WELT chief commentator.

Source: WORLD

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