Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder was in Moscow for the birthday of Russian President Vladimir Putin, which sparked sharp criticism from German politicians, but also defense from parts of society who believe he can open doors for dialogue with the Kremlin.
The Chairwoman of the European Parliament’s Defense Committee, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, and Green Party politician Katrin Göring-Eckardt described the visit as “shameful,” while members of the SPD stated that Schröder has access to Putin that should be utilized. The Kremlin announced that “the president invited an old friend to his home,” and photos of Putin and Schröder shaking hands were published.
Prior to the celebration, Schröder visited a store of the Russian branch of the German chain Globus in Moscow. Criticism also came from the CDU, while SPD MP Ralf Stegner said that “if Schröder’s visit contributed even a millimeter to peace, then it was successful.”
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