Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder has stated that he does not regret any of the political decisions he made during his time in office. Speaking ahead of his 80th birthday, Schröder highlighted key decisions such as sending the Bundeswehr to Afghanistan, refusing to participate in the Iraq War, and implementing the Social and Economic reforms of the Agenda 2010 as some of the most important choices he made during his tenure. While he acknowledged that he may have offended some individuals in political debates, Schröder indicated that he has no major regrets from his time in office.
One decision that Schröder does not regret is his move to become a lobbyist for Russian energy companies shortly after his chancellorship from 1998 to 2005. Despite facing criticism for his close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Schröder defended his actions, stating that he has always operated within the boundaries of international and German law. He continues to work for predominantly Russian-owned companies involved in the Nord Stream pipelines, although he has criticized Russia’s actions in Ukraine and emphasized the importance of maintaining his friendship with Putin.
Despite facing opposition from within the SPD for his relationship with Putin, Schröder expressed a strong sense of loyalty to his party, to which he has belonged for 61 years. He joined the SPD in 1963 and remains committed to his socialist values, calling for the party to reaffirm its anti-war traditions and actively seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. Schröder emphasized his desire for the SPD and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to uphold their responsibility in contributing to peace efforts in Ukraine.
Looking back on his political career, Schröder admitted that while he may have offended some individuals in the political sphere, he does not believe that any of his significant decisions were mistakes. Reflecting on his refusal to participate in the Iraq War, his implementation of key social and economic reforms, as well as his stance on the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, Schröder stands by his choices and does not regret them. He expressed his willingness to apologize if he had offended someone during his political career, but overall, he does not view his actions as detrimental.
As Schröder approaches his 80th birthday, he remains active in the political discourse and continues to advocate for peaceful solutions to international conflicts. Despite facing criticism for his relationships with certain political figures and entities, Schröder maintains his commitment to his party and values, urging the SPD to uphold its principles of peace and diplomacy. His unwavering stance on his political decisions and his dedication to his socialist beliefs illustrate his steadfast commitment to his political legacy and values.
