SPD foreign policy expert Ralf Stegner has dismissed criticism regarding the recent visit of former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder to the birthday party of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Speaking to the Tagesspiegel, Stegner conceded that Gerhard Schröder, as a private individual, “does many things that can be seen as critical,” but insisted that Schröder’s decision to attend the event was justified. Stegner noted that the former Chancellor belongs to a small group of individuals who have access to Putin, adding that he couldn’t think of many others in the same boat.
The SPD politician stressed that this access must be utilized. He further asserted that Schröder is opposed to the war and that he would certainly not have encouraged Putin to continue fighting. Stegner argued that dialogue must happen with the people inside Russia, stating that Schröder possesses the ability to open doors to Putin.
Finally, the SPD representative concluded that even if Schröder’s presence only contributed a “millimeter” towards achieving peace, the visit itself was considered a success.
