Smiling and visibly in a good mood, former German chancellor Gerhard Schröder turned up on Friday for a planned tribute to his 60 years of membership in the Social Democratic Party (SPD), reported dpa.
Together with his wife, So-yeon Schröder-Kim, he arrived at the local party headquarters in the western German city of Hanover about 10 minutes before the start of the event, scheduled for 11 am (0900 GMT), then strolled to the back entrance.
Schröder has been shrouded in intense controversy in Germany in recent years due to his close ties to the Russian government and relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Since leaving office, Schröder has held well-paid positions lobbying for Russian state energy firms.
Schröder served as Germany's chancellor from 1998 to 2005.
The possibility of honouring Schröder has been intensely controversial within the SPD. Schröder's local branch of the Hanover party had considered forgoing the event.
Addressing controversy over the honour to journalists on Friday, Schröder downplayed the significance of the event.
"This has minimal historical significance. Everyone gets it after 25 years, after 50 years and after 60 years. All SPD members are equal," Schröder said. "So I am an equal among equals."
About 40 guests were expected at the tribute in Hanover, which is not open to the public. Among those expected to attend include Otto Schily, who served as minister of the interior in Schröder's government.
- SDP
- Schröder
- Controversy
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
