Gerhard Schroeder, the former Social Democrat (SPD) chancellor, has not yet responded to his party’s ultimatum, demanding that he step down from senior positions in Russian state-owned enterprises following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Mr Schroeder’s ties to the Kremlin – believed to be close to long-standing friendship with Russian President Vladimir Putin – and his positions on the boards of Russian public companies have sparked years of war in Germany. The invasion of Ukraine by the Russian army on February 24, however, had the effect of increasing the pressure on it.
SPD co-chair Lars Klingbaile was asked by the news site t-online if the former chancellor had responded to the letter.
“No, not yet,” he replied. “We have clearly distanced ourselves politically,” he added.
An internal party process is underway against Mr. Schroeder, he reminded.
“We would all like Gerhard Schroeder to be on the right side of the story, at the latest when the war started,” but “he chose the wrong side,” Klingbail added.
He and his co-chair of the SPD, Saskia Esken, wrote a letter to the former chancellor, in which they handed him the ultimatum, demanding that he resign from all positions he holds in Russian state-owned enterprises. In early March, Lars Klingbaile said he was waiting for an “immediate” response.
Gerhard Schroeder is a board member of the companies operating the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines of the Russian oil company Rosneft, and will also serve on Gazprom’s board of directors.
SOURCE: AMPE
Source: Capital
Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.
