[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The German Social Democratic Party (SPD) has agreed to start discussions next month regarding the expulsion of former Chancellor Gerhard Schr?der, who has sparked controversy due to his pro-Russian stance. Schr?der has faced domestic and international criticism, with voices emerging within the European Union (EU) calling for his inclusion on the list of sanctions against Russia.
According to local media such as S?ddeutsche Zeitung (SZ) on the 21st (local time), the SPD's Hanover branch review committee will discuss the proposal to expel former Chancellor Schr?der on the 15th of next month at the Kurt Schumacher House in Hanover. Christoph Materne, head of the Hanover branch, stated, "So far, 14 expulsion requests have been received." The Hanover branch is the higher organization of the Oststadt-Chor region group, of which Schr?der is a member.
The committee explained that it will deliberate on these requests and the subsequent procedures before making a decision. It is uncertain whether the committee will reach a conclusion on the 15th of next month. A second meeting is expected to take place on the 22nd of next month. Materne explained, "Former Chancellor Schr?der may send a representative or choose not to attend."
Schr?der, who served as Germany’s Chancellor from 1998 to 2005, has faced strong criticism inside and outside Germany for not severing ties with President Putin following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Since 2017, Schr?der has served as chairman of Rosneft, Russia’s largest state-owned oil company linked to President Putin, and just before the Russian military invaded Ukraine, he was also nominated as a board member of Gazprom, Russia’s state-owned gas company.
As criticism over his pro-Russian actions intensified both inside and outside Germany, Schr?der voluntarily resigned from his position as chairman of Rosneft on the 20th. However, within the SPD, there are criticisms that this move came too late. Kevin K?hnert, SPD Secretary General, said, "It does not seem like a decision made by chance," adding, "Unfortunately, it is too late."
Earlier, on the 19th, the European Parliament warned that if Schr?der does not resign from his position at Rosneft, it would urge his inclusion on the EU sanctions list.
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