Russian state-owned gas company Gazprom said that German ex-chancellor Gerhard Schroeder has been nominated to join its board of directors, a move that comes as the former leader has faced criticism for accusing Ukraine of “sabre-rattling” during its standoff with Russia.
Mr Schroeder, who led Germany from 1998 to 2005, developed a close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin when he was chancellor.
The 77-year-old already chairs the shareholders’ committee of Nord Stream AG and heads the board of directors of Nord Stream 2, a new pipeline opposed by the US, Ukraine and some other German allies that has been built to bring Russian gas to Germany under the Baltic Sea but is not yet in service.
Gazprom listed Mr Schroeder among 11 nominees for its board of directors, to be voted on at its annual general meeting in St Petersburg on June 30.
Mr Schroeder’s involvement with the gas pipeline and stalwart defence of Russia have long drawn mixed reviews in Germany, even in his own centre-left Social Democratic Party, which heads Chancellor Olaf Scholz’ new governing coalition.
Under Mr Scholz, Germany is pushing for diplomatic solutions to the current crisis but has refused to send weapons to Ukraine, annoying some allies.
In a podcast last week, Mr Schroeder said he does not think the Russian leadership has any interest in a military intervention in Ukraine.
“I very much hope that they finally stop the sabre-rattling in Ukraine because what I hear there, also in the way of finger-pointing at Germany because of the sensible refusal to send weapons, sometimes takes the cake,” Mr Schroeder said.
On Wednesday, the new chancellor was asked in an interview with ZDF television whether he is listening to advice from Mr Schroeder.
“I haven’t asked him for advice and he hasn’t given me any either,” Mr Scholz said.
Asked about the message being sent by the ex-chancellor, he replied: “If I understand the constitutional order of the Federal Republic of Germany correctly, there is only one chancellor. And that is me.”
