Story perspectives

SPD Rejects Motion to Expel Gerhard Schröder

By Drooid · Oct 9, 2026, 5:36 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Schroeder Under Sanctions Probe

Berlin closed Schröder’s taxpayer-funded office in 2022 after his Russian energy ties were revealed.
The SPD executive council rejected a motion to expel Schröder, allowing him to retain party membership.
Several SPD lawmakers publicly demanded Schröder’s removal, citing his ongoing friendship with Putin.
German foreign-policy officials warned Schröder’s Hyperglobus board role could conflict with EU sanctions.
Critics argue Schröder’s business activities undermine Germany’s diplomatic pressure on Moscow.

Summary

Schroeder Attends Putin Birthday

Gerhard Schroeder attended Russian President Vladimir Putin’s 74th birthday celebration at the Kremlin.
Putin learned Schroeder was in Moscow for Hyperglobus business and invited him.
Kremlin posted Telegram photos of two smiling, shaking hands beside a stove and samovar.
Schroeder, on Hyperglobus’s supervisory board, faces German criticism for his Russia ties.
In May, Putin suggested Schroeder join European delegations in Ukraine peace talks, but EU foreign ministers rejected it.

History

Historical Context

In March 2014 the EU condemned Russia’s military move in Crimea and began coordinated sanctions against Russian officials. The move sparked a wave of diplomatic protests, including an OSCE observer mission of 42 people from 22 countries that was blocked from Crimea. The 2014 precedent resurfaces in 2023 as former chancellor Gerhard Schröder’s Hyperglobus board role and Kremlin visit revive SPD debates over Russian-linked politicians.

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Schroeder Under Sanctions Probe

Berlin closed Schröder’s taxpayer-funded office in 2022 after his Russian energy ties were revealed.
The SPD executive council rejected a motion to expel Schröder, allowing him to retain party membership.
Several SPD lawmakers publicly demanded Schröder’s removal, citing his ongoing friendship with Putin.
German foreign-policy officials warned Schröder’s Hyperglobus board role could conflict with EU sanctions.
Critics argue Schröder’s business activities undermine Germany’s diplomatic pressure on Moscow.

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