Green Party Insists on Providing a Medical Report from Ex-Chancellor Schröder - Former Chancellor Schröder under scrutiny; Green Party calls for mandatory health assessment
Former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder's health and capacity to testify on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project have become a point of contention, with the Green Party demanding a medical certificate. The SPD politician, now 81 years old, has twice abandoned his scheduled appearance before the Schwerin state parliament's investigative committee due to a long-term illness. However, footage emerged this week of him laughing in the cameras during the election of Olaf Lies (SPD) as Minister President of Lower Saxony.
In a recent letter to the committee, Schröder stated that a stable recovery from his burnout illness was uncertain for the remainder of the year. He cited the need to avoid unusual stress situations, especially lengthy ones where all participants might not consider his health. As a result, Schröder implied that he would not be testifying before the committee in the near future.
Hannes Damm, the Green Party's representative on the investigative committee, expressed his doubts about Schröder's behavior, stating that only a medical certificate could justify avoiding a scheduled oral interrogation despite a summons.
In his letter to the committee, Schröder also explained his involvement in the construction of the pipeline for Russian natural gas. Damm criticized this, stating, "Gerhard Schröder's letter to the investigative committee is not an acceptable substitute for a personal statement under oath." He argued that answers should be based on the committee's questions, not Schröder's own selection of topics.
The SPD's representative in the investigative committee, Thomas Krüger, offered more understanding for Schröder. He acknowledged that one could experience happiness despite a mental illness, but emphasized that it didn't necessarily mean Schröder was healthy. He also stated that, ultimately, it was the doctors who would decide on Schröder's mental health.
Despite criticism, Schröder continues to support the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, citing the need for secure and affordable energy for Germany's industry to remain competitive on the world market. He argued that renewable energy was not yet reliably available around the clock and throughout the year, and nuclear power should not be produced. As a result, he favored natural gas and believed a pipeline to be more environmentally friendly than oil-driven tankers.
Schröder, a close associate of Russian energy interests and former chancellor, has faced increased scrutiny over his role in the energy projects, particularly his approval of Nord Stream 1 during his tenure. This heightened questioning, combined with concerns over Schröder's health, has led to the Green Party's demand for a medical certificate.
- The Green Party's demand for a medical certificate from Gerhard Schröder, in light of his uncertain recovery from burnout and repeated cancellations to testify, underscores the importance of environmental protection and health-and-wellness in policy-and-legislation discussions related to the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project.
- Science, politics, and general news have all been entwined in the ongoing debate regarding Schröder's health and his involvement in the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, as the former chancellor continues to advocate for the project, citing the environmental benefits of gas over oil-driven tankers.
- As the Schwerin state parliament's investigative committee continues to probe Schröder's role in the pipeline project, the controversy over his health and capacity to testify has raised questions about transparency in policy-and-legislation, especially in matters concerning environmental protection and the health of our communities.
