Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, who led the country from 1998 until 2005, is currently hospitalized due to severe burnout syndrome, as reported by the German news agency DPA. The 80-year-old politician has faced intense scrutiny over his connections with Russia, particularly following the country's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Schröder’s burnout diagnosis was confirmed by his doctor, who indicated he was suffering from "profound exhaustion and a pronounced lack of energy." A letter from the physician, obtained by reporters, detailed Schröder's struggles with memory, concentration, and sleep disturbances. These symptoms prompted his lawyer, Hans-Peter Huber, to confirm to DPA his client's admission for clinical treatment on medical advice.
Following his tenure as Chancellor, Schröder became increasingly embroiled in controversy due to his long-standing ties with Russian state-owned energy companies, particularly Rosneft. Despite leaving office two decades ago, his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin has alienated him from traditional German political circles.
Compounding his troubles, Schröder was scheduled to give testimony before parliamentary inquiries last month related to the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, which he promoted during his time as Chancellor and served on the board of directors post-office. The pipeline never became operational, damaged during underwater explosions last September, and his absence from the inquiry due to illness has raised additional questions.
Germany’s Social Democratic Party (SPD), which Schröder led from 1999 to 2004, has distanced itself from him as his reluctance to sever connections with Putin following the invasion has drawn criticism from numerous quarters. The SPD even sought to sanction Schröder for his ties to Russia, reflecting deep divisions within the party and the broader German political framework.
His relationship with Russia has remained contentious, showcasing the challenges faced by political figures who maintain ties with authoritarian regimes. During his leadership, Schröder was instrumental in establishing the initial Nord Stream pipeline agreement with Russian and German operators, enhancing Germany's energy dependency on Russia and sidestepping transit through Ukraine.
With the geopolitical climate shifting, Scholz's administration now grapples with managing sentiments toward energy dependencies linked to historical decisions made by leaders like Schröder. The current political discourse around Schröder symbolizes broader concerns about foreign influence and national security.
Schröder’s name has resurfaced amid discussions of Germany's energy reliance following the Ukraine invasion, illustrating the long shadow cast by past leadership decisions on present-day policies. His situation raises the question: to what extent should political leaders be held accountable for past affiliations?
While he has significantly retreated from public life to seek treatment for his mental health, the scrutiny on Schröder reflects the harsh realities of political fallouts tied to individual decisions. Schröder's health concerns may draw sympathy; still, they are inexorably linked to his tumultuous career and the decisions made within its framework.