The German government plans to remove the privileges Gerhard Schröder enjoys as former chancellor because of his close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his refusal to step down from his positions at Russian energy giants.
"It is now unthinkable for taxpayers to provide him with an office," Finance Minister Christian Lindner said in an interview with Funke Group newspapers, adding that "former high-ranking officials, who obviously stand by criminal governments, cannot count on the support of this state."
The issue will most likely be addressed in the context of the 2023 budget debate and Lindner advocated the introduction of a "code of honour" for former presidents and former chancellors. "In this context, we should also talk about conduct issues," he said."
In addition, former officials of this level should continue to hold office as they still have public obligations after their retirement, but these benefits should be gradually reduced, the finance minister and Liberal (FDP) leader said.
Already, however, the leadership of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) has called on Gerhard Schroeder to leave the party, and disciplinary proceedings are underway that could lead to his dismissal. According to German news agency dpa, more than 12 petitions have been submitted by regional SPD organisations calling for his removal.
Bavarian Prime Minister and Christian Social Union (CSU) leader Marcus Zeder on Saturday once again attacked Schroeder, calling him a "stubborn, old, strange man" for whom, he said, "the bank account is more important than Germany's reputation in the world." From the podium of a CSU party event in Wirtzburg, Schroeder called on the former chancellor not only to leave the SPD, but also to give up all his privileges.
Currently, Gerhard Schroeder maintains six offices in Germany's Federal Parliament building, which under normal circumstances are staffed by seven employees. The cost of this provision amounts to €400,000 per year. The staff positions are, however, currently vacant, as the former chancellor's colleagues left him after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine.
Source: APM
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