Crisis visit to the USA: While Scholz is printing at Nord Stream 2, the Schröder smack is clear

Created: 02/08/2022, 08:38

By: Cindy Boden

Chancellor Olaf Scholz (front) visiting US President Joe Biden © Leigh Vogel/Zuma Wire/Imago

Scholz meets Biden in the USA - but he does not make a clear Nord Stream 2 announcement.

But in the case of Schröder he wants to clean up - is that enough?

Washington DC - Chancellor Olaf Scholz is not exactly a man of direct words.

He likes to avoid questions, fusses around, answers at length.

Before his visit to the USA, expectations were high - especially with regard to the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, many demanded a clear statement - also from the traffic lights.

In this respect, however, Scholz remained true to himself.

This is how the media wrote immediately after the meeting with US President Joe Biden: Biden determined, Scholz evasive.

The Chancellor did not mention Nord Stream 2 by name - while the US President called out to the world: "We will put an end to this." A clear message also to the colleagues at the desk next door.

Scholz is looking for words about Nord Stream 2 in the USA – clear statement about Schröder

In an interview with the CNN TV station, Scholz then struck a tone that was also heard by Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock in Kiev: "We are ready to take steps that will also cause costs for us," said Scholz.

Russia would pay a "very high price" if it invaded Ukraine, especially with regard to the country's further economic development, he warned.

He again dodged the question about Nord Stream 2.

But Scholz had clearer words for SPD comrade Gerhard Schröder.

He distanced himself from the former chancellor.

"He doesn't speak for the government.

He doesn't work for the government.

He is not the government.” And further: “I am now the Federal Chancellor.

And Germany's political strategies are those that you hear from me." He never tired of emphasizing: "I make politics for Germany." Questions about Schröder's involvement in Russia should be addressed to him directly.

Video: Biden meeting with Scholz – no Nord Stream 2 if Russia invades Ukraine

Schröder causes resentment in the SPD, in Germany and internationally

Schröder has been friends with Russian President Vladimir Putin since he was Chancellor.

He also holds management positions in the Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 pipeline projects. He is Chairman of the Shareholders' Committee of Nord Stream AG and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Nord Stream 2 AG.

Both gas pipelines under the Baltic Sea connect Russia and Germany.

Schröder is also the head of the supervisory board at the Russian state energy company Rosneft.

The former chancellor had recently caused a stir and anger with statements on the Ukraine crisis: Schröder had criticized Ukraine's demands for arms deliveries as "saber rattling".

Scholz had spoken a few days ago in an interview with the ZDF "heute journal" in the discussion about Schröder's statements.

Ukraine conflict: Schröder as Putin's spokesman?

As expected, Schröder's statements caused resentment in Ukraine: During Baerbock's visit, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba put Schröder on the same level as the spokesman for Russian President Putin.

"Commenting on Mr. Schröder is like commenting on Mr. Putin's spokesman," said the minister.

As a German citizen, Schröder not only works for Russian companies, but “de facto” for the Russian government.

On Friday, the Russian energy company Gazprom announced that the former Chancellor should get a job on the supervisory board at the end of June.