Merz, „profund indignat” după ce fostul cancelar Gerhard Schröder a sărbătorit ziua lui Putin la reședința liderului rus

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed deep outrage over former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder's visit to Vladimir Putin's birthday celebration. Merz labeled the visit as immoral, especially given the ongoing war in Ukraine and its impact on civilians. Schröder's ties to Russia have long been controversial, and his participation in the celebration drew criticism even from his own party, the SPD. Lars Klingbeil, co-chair of the SPD, called the gesture completely unacceptable. Schröder has held significant positions in Russian companies since leaving office, and his relationship with Russia remains a contentious issue in Germany, particularly amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.