German Media: Schroeder, Retired but Not Resting, Takes New Role at Russian Company

Germany’s former chancellor and long-time confidant of Russian President Vladimir Putin has remained active in public life and sustained ties with Russia after stepping down from office. His appointment to the supervisory board of a major Russian energy firm drew widespread scrutiny over alleged "transnational personal connections" and potential conflicts of interest. Schroeder has consistently maintained that this business role is purely a private endeavor, entirely disconnected from his previous tenure as German chancellor. Now, he has once again crossed sectors—shifting from energy into retail.

The 82-year-old former chancellor visited a Moscow branch of the Russian supermarket chain Hyperglobus on Wednesday (October 7), shortly after being appointed to its supervisory board.

Footage aired by Russian broadcaster RBC showed employees greeting the former German chancellor and his wife, Kim Soo-yeon, with enthusiastic applause. Speaking to staff, Schroeder said: “I am very pleased to be here, to see this excellent supermarket and your achievements, and to meet such capable colleagues.”

Despite having left office for years, Schroeder continues to maintain a close personal relationship with Putin, and has recently been seen frequently engaging with various Russian enterprises and even the president himself. His ongoing proximity to Russia has become an increasingly contentious issue in Germany, particularly since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in 2022.

What is Hyperglobus’ connection to Germany?

Hyperglobus was originally a subsidiary of Germany’s retail giant Globus Holding. Last year, it was formally spun off from its German parent company and is now fully independent, legally and operationally, under the ownership of German entrepreneur Thomas Bruch. Just last week, Hyperglobus announced the appointment of Schroeder to its supervisory board.

Last week, Schroeder called for maintaining existing trade links between Russia and countries like Germany amid sanctions imposed following the war in Ukraine.

Russian business news outlet RBK cited him saying: “It is precisely during such crises that these connections are especially important—they enable us to listen to one another and find a way forward.”

What is the nature of Schroeder’s relationship with Putin, Russia, and Ukraine?

During his time as German chancellor, Schroeder’s close ties with Putin were subject to intense scrutiny and controversy. In 2004, when questioned by journalists, he described Putin as “a perfect democrat”—a statement that shocked many, particularly given the political climate at the time, including suppression of opposition and ongoing conflict in Chechnya.

Even after leaving politics, Schroeder has maintained strong links with the Kremlin, serving in several high-profile roles. Most notably, he has been a member of the board of directors at Rosneft, Russia’s largest oil company. Prior to that, he served on the board of Nord Stream, a natural gas pipeline project largely owned by Gazprom, Russia’s dominant gas conglomerate.

In 2014, shortly after Russia’s annexation of Crimea and as unrest fueled by Russian-backed forces escalated in Ukraine, Schroeder attended an event in St. Petersburg as a guest of honor for the Nord Stream project and celebrated his 70th birthday in lavish fashion.

Four years later, following Western criticism of Russia’s elections as mere theatrical exercises, Schroeder occupied a prominent position at the Kremlin ceremony marking Putin’s fourth presidential term in 2018 (as shown in the image above).

In 2024, Schroeder’s benefits—including state-provided allowances, office space, and administrative support—were revoked. These privileges are typically granted to former chancellors; the decision to withdraw them was justified by officials citing his failure to perform any duties tied to his former government role. The Social Democratic Party (SPD) has attempted multiple times to expel him from the party, but each effort failed due to unmet legal thresholds.

Putin has repeatedly suggested that Schroeder could serve as a mediator between Russia, Ukraine, and Europe. Schroeder himself has expressed willingness to take on such a role. However, all parties except Russia—including Ukraine—have firmly rejected him as a neutral intermediary.

Sources: DW

Original: toutiao.com/article/1878517028697164/

Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author