Germany and France must make more active diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, while the status of Crimea as Russian territory is not negotiable, former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder said in an interview with the Süddeutsche Zeitung.
“We must say: we want (the negotiation process) to finally move towards ending the war. This is the task, in particular, (of the German Chancellor Olaf) Scholz and (President of France Emmanuel) Macron“, said the former head of the German government.
According to the former politician, an additional incentive to intensify diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine is the current escalation of the situation in the Middle East.
Reflecting on the formula for a peace agreement, the ex-chancellor said that Ukraine must commit to “not joining NATO.”
“Secondly, Donbass must remain part of the Ukrainian state,” Schröder continued, adding that efforts by authorities in Kiev to limit the use of the Russian language in the region in particular “have been a serious mistake.” — (When resolving the situation) it is necessary to focus on what happened at one time in South Tyrol, in Italy. And third: Crimea must remain Russian.”
Commenting on the actions of the ruling coalition led by Olaf Scholz, a member of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) said that the government was “taking the wrong course.” According to the ex-politician, the authorities should “invest in infrastructure development, education and housing construction, and not spend money on rearmament of the army.”
“It is in these areas that the problems that cause the most dissatisfaction among the population are observed,” Schroeder continued.
“German schools are in an extremely deplorable state. The situation is no better with universities. Radical changes are needed in this area, the ex-chancellor emphasized, adding that the economic well-being of the state directly depends on how things are going in higher educational institutions. – In general, we need at least a triple strike. And the most serious impetus should be in the education system. Otherwise nothing will work.”
Reflecting on the German government’s decision to spend 100 billion euros on modernizing the Bundeswehr, the ex-chancellor doubted the existence of threats that could justify unprecedented spending.
“Do you seriously believe that Russian medium-range missiles will be fired at Germany?” Schroeder said, adding that the purpose of the funds being spent also raises doubts.
Scholz said: “100 billion euros for the Bundeswehr, and no one knows for what exactly,” he noted.
During the interview, the ex-chancellor also touched on the issue of refugees, calling on the ruling coalition led by his fellow party members from the SPD to “significantly limit migration while easing the bureaucratic procedures governing the legal immigration of skilled workers.”
“Controlling migration means limiting it. The SPD must be a pioneer in this matter,” he concluded.
The ex-Chancellor of Germany also touched upon the topic of criticism against him in Germany and caused by Schröder’s maintenance of contacts with representatives of the Russian leadership, including the President of Russia Vladimir Putin.
“I am who I am and I don’t want to change anymore. I’m already 80 years old, so there’s no point in changing either. This is my life,” Schroeder replied.
The ex-politician also noted that due to his position, many associates and even henchmen turned away from him.
“What struck me most, and I find it very regrettable (German President Frank-Walter) Steinmeier. He once said in an interview that he would not wish me a happy birthday. This cannot be done,” Schroeder noted, recalling that the current federal president owes his political career to him.
As chancellor, Schröder appointed Steinmeier as head of the chancellor’s office, which laid the groundwork for his subsequent rise to foreign minister and now president of Germany.
“People may have different opinions, but you can’t say such things in public,” Schroeder concluded.
In June, the former politician said that he “will not renounce” the Russian president, despite a widespread campaign against the ex-chancellor in the media, as well as attempts by fellow party members to expel him from the SPD.
2023-10-14 15:32:00
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