The pretext is a recent NYT Schroeder interview.
Prime Minister of the federal state of North Rhine – Westphalia Hendrik Wust , a member of the opposition Christian Democratic Union, has demanded that the leadership of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) begin proceedings to expel former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder. York Times (NYT),
Wust made the statement on Sunday, April 24, on Bild TV.
According to the land prime minister, the SPD leadership had previously said that if Schroeder held on to his well-paid positions in Russian President Vladimir Putin's state-owned companies, he would no longer be able to remain a member of the party. Schroeder's interview testifies to this intention, according to the head of the cabinet. In addition, the head of the SRV government demands a new regulation: “We must make it clear that the provision of ex-chancellors, as well as former federal presidents, can be provided only if they do not receive funds from other states.”
< p>Earlier, German Prime Minister Olaf Scholz called on Schroeder to resign from his position in Russia's state-owned energy companies.
On April 23, the NYT published an interview with Gerhard Schroeder. In it, the former chancellor, in particular, said that Moscow will not stop supplying oil and gas to Europe. “It won't happen,” Schroeder said. However, in this scenario, “I will resign,” he said.
In addition, the former head of the German Cabinet said that “in the long run to isolate a country like Russia is impossible – neither politically nor economically.” “German industry needs raw materials that are available in Russia. It's not just oil and gas, but also rare metals. These are raw materials that simply cannot be replaced,” Schroeder said. The world and prosperity of Germany and Europe will always depend on dialogue with Russia, he said.
“When this war is over, we will have to return to relations with Russia. We always do that,” Schroeder added. >
Read also: Gerhard Schröder does not regret his policy towards Russia in the past
Former German Chancellor has been chairing the supervisory board of the state oil company Rosneft since 2017. In addition, he is the Chairman of the Shareholders' Committee of Nord Stream AG, the operator of the Nord Stream gas pipeline, and holds a similar position in Nord Stream 2 AG, the operator of the Nord Stream-2 gas pipeline. In early February, it became known that Gerhard Schroeder had been nominated to the board of directors of Russia's state concern Gazprom.
