Germany’s center-left Social Democrats (SPD) will honor former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder at a shindig in his hometown, despite heated discussions over the ex-leader’s Russia links.
The Hannover SPD branch will carry out a tribute for Schröder’s 60-year-long party membership, the managing director of the SPD branch, Christoph Matterne, told POLITICO. He added that there was no consensus on holding a party at city level, so the event is being organized by the district.
The SPD could not find a consensus on the town level, hence why the ceremony is now held on the district level, he said.
The party will take place on October 27, the anniversary of the start date of Schröder’s chancellorship 25 years ago. The date was selected after a call between the SPD and Schröder, Matterne confirmed.
The event will only be open to invited guests. Among the 50 attendees will be close friends of Schröder and former members of his Cabinet, who will watch the ex-leader be awarded a pin and a certificate.
Schröder — who in March survived an attempt to expel him from the SPD — has come under fire for his friendly relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and for holding board seats on Russian energy companies.