SPD Members Advocate for Dialogue with Russia in New Statement
Prominent figures within Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD) are challenging the current security and defense policies of both the government and their own party leadership. In a recent statement, they are urging for direct diplomatic engagement with Russia, which has been engaged in an ongoing military conflict with Ukraine for over three years.
The document, which has been obtained by the German Press Agency and initially reported by the magazine 'Stern,' advocates for a significant shift in Germany's foreign and security policy. The signatories, known as the SPD Peace Circles, express concern that Europe is currently far from achieving a stable peace and security framework. They promote de-escalation and gradual confidence-building measures over an arms race.
Among the notable signatories are former faction leader Rolf Mützenich, ex-party leader Norbert Walter-Borjans, foreign policy expert Ralf Stegner, and several members of the Bundestag and state parliaments. It remains unclear whether all of the more than 100 signatures are from current SPD members.
The timing of this statement is particularly sensitive, as it comes just before the SPD's party congress at the end of the month, where the party will not only elect new leadership but also initiate the process of formulating a new party program following their disappointing results in the recent federal elections. Additionally, a NATO summit is approaching, where significant increases in defense spending are expected to be discussed.
The signatories emphasize the need to resume conversations with Russia after the cessation of hostilities, advocating for a peace and security order in Europe that is mutually acknowledged and respected. They suggest that diplomatic contacts should be cautiously re-established before undertaking genuine confidence-building measures. However, there is no mention of Russian President Vladimir Putin's apparent lack of interest in a ceasefire or the previous unproductive phone call between former Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Putin.
Furthermore, the SPD Peace Circles oppose the deployment of new American intermediate-range missiles in Germany and the proposed increases in the defense budget to 3.5% or 5% of the GDP. They lament that the current narrative promotes a 'compulsion towards ever more armament and preparation for an alleged impending war,' rather than linking defense capabilities with arms control and disarmament policies.
The signatories warn that 'military alarmism and extensive rearmament programs do not enhance security for Germany and Europe; instead, they lead to destabilization and exacerbate mutual threat perceptions between NATO and Russia.'
Reactions from politicians of opposing parties have been swift and critical. A Union foreign policy spokesperson expressed disbelief, questioning when it will be recognized that Russia is not inclined to negotiate or seek peace. The leader of the Green party's parliamentary group stressed that while everyone desires peace, attempts to reach a ceasefire or initiate peace talks have been thwarted by President Putin.
Contrarily, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) welcomed the statement. The SPD has been grappling with its approach to Russia for some time, and the mixed reactions to the statement suggest that it does not represent a consensus within the party.
Looking ahead, the SPD is expected to address this issue at the upcoming party congress, where the new party program is likely to reflect the party's position on foreign policy. Demands for an immediate clarification from the SPD leadership regarding their stance on this statement have been voiced, with some urging the Chancellor to consider his confidence in the Bundestag.