Putin’s Cronies: Schröder and Miersch

Social Democratic Leadership Under Fire

Social Democratic Party (SPD) politicians Gerhard Schröder and Matthias Miersch have come under heavy criticism for their ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Schröder, a former German chancellor, has been a close friend of Putin for many years. He has defended Putin's actions in Ukraine, and he has lobbied against sanctions on Russia.

Miersch, a member of the Bundestag, has also been criticized for his ties to Putin. He has met with Russian officials on several occasions, and he has spoken out against NATO.

Calls for Resignation

The SPD leadership has called on Schröder and Miersch to resign from their positions.

Lars Klingbeil, the SPD's general secretary, said that Schröder's and Miersch's ties to Putin were "unacceptable." He said that the SPD "cannot tolerate" members who "support a dictator like Putin."

Schröder and Miersch Defend Themselves

Schröder and Miersch have defended their ties to Putin.

Schröder said that he has known Putin for many years, and that he believes that Putin is a "rational" leader.

Miersch said that he has met with Russian officials to "build bridges" between Germany and Russia.

SPD Facing Pressure

The SPD is facing pressure to take action against Schröder and Miersch.

The party's youth wing has called for Schröder and Miersch to be expelled from the SPD.

The SPD is also facing pressure from its coalition partners, the Greens and the Free Democratic Party (FDP).

Uncertain Future for Schröder and Miersch

The future of Schröder and Miersch in the SPD is uncertain.

The party leadership has called on them to resign, but they have refused to do so.

The SPD is facing pressure to take action against them, but it is unclear if the party will do so.