Gerhard Schröder, the former Chancellor of Germany, visited one of the branches of the Hyperglobus supermarket chain in the western suburbs of Moscow on Wednesday. This trip came just days after he was appointed as a member of the supervisory board of the chain, attracting media attention.
Reception for Schröder in Moscow
Russian television images show that the branch staff warmly welcomed Gerhard Schröder and his wife, Suyon Schröder-Kim, with cheers and applause. During this visit, Schröder expressed his happiness, stating: "I am very happy to be here and have seen your work and this amazing hypermarket, and I met with you, my wonderful colleagues."
Challenges in Schröder's relations with Russia
In recent years, Schröder has maintained close ties with several Russian companies and President Vladimir Putin, which have become controversial topics in Germany. This relationship has been particularly scrutinized following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The Hyperglobus supermarket chain separated from the German Globus Holding last year.
Last week, Schröder called for the continuation of trade relations between Russia and countries like Germany during a meeting with the media, stating: "In these critical times, these connections are especially important: they allow us to hear each other and seek ways to progress." His remarks were reported in the RBK newspaper.
Schröder's political background and criticisms
Schröder's close relationship with Putin was under scrutiny even during his chancellorship. In 2004, in response to a journalist's question, he stated that Putin is a "perfect democrat." This statement was unbelievable to many, especially among opposition groups and in Chechnya, which was then embroiled in war.
After leaving politics, Schröder continued to maintain close ties with the Kremlin and was appointed to several senior roles in Russian companies, including on the board of the energy company Rosneft and the Nord Stream gas pipeline project, which was mostly owned by Gazprom. In 2018, he attended Putin's inauguration for his fourth term at the Kremlin.
Future outlook and global criticisms
In 2024, Schröder was deprived of an official office and staff typically allocated to former chancellors. Putin has also introduced him as a possible mediator for peace between Russia, Ukraine, and Europe, although he seems to be unacceptable as a mediator for all parties except Russia, particularly Ukraine.
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