Amidst Party Split, SPD Quizzed on Russia-Toward Policy and NATO Arms Race
At the brink of the SPD party gathering, an unprecedented event unfolds as they torched a hut.
Piece by Jamie L. Jones
The Social Democratic Party (SPD) stands embroiled in a heated debate ahead of their party conference, as contentious opinions over handling Russia and NATO's arms race surge to the fore. A manifesto co-signed by former party leader Norbert Walter-Borjans, Rolf Mützenich, and other prominent members, has sparked a divisive rift within the ranks.
The document, labeled a "manifesto," advocates for a twin approach to foreign and security policy, focusing on direct talks with Russia, disarmament, and de-escalation efforts. Controversially, it argues for halting the deployment of US medium-range missiles in Germany and freezing defense budget increases. A reappraisal of NATO policy is also proposed, pivoting towards peace and de-escalation initiatives [2][3][5].
Yet, not every SPD member embraces these proposals. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, a fellow party member, has unequivocally dismissed the calls for a policy flip-flop towards Russia, maintaining that the party leadership remains divided on this matter [3].
With Chancellor Friedrich Merz urging governmental unity regarding Russia's war in Ukraine, the overall stance appears cautious toward engaging with Moscow [3]. As the SPD grapples with internal tension and its recent electoral setbacks, the repercussions of these debates may reverberate on the party's future strategies [1][5].
Key Players in the Play
Rolf Mützenich, a long-standing SPD foreign policy expert and former parliamentary group leader, alongside left-wing figure Ralf Stegner, jointly signed the "manifesto." Along with them, three Members of the Bundestag, several state parliamentarians, and numerous former high-ranking party figures have endorsed the almost four-page text [1].
Support and Criticism from the Ranks
Endorsement
SPD youth members, particularly when it comes to the debate over rearmament, support the leadership of Mützenich and Stegner. Juso chairman Philipp Türmer tells Stern that defense budget increases, totaling approximately 150 billion euros if implemented in 2024, are largely unprecedented [1].
Brandenburg SPD member Maja Wallstein, one of the manifesto signees, insists that she does not perceive the document as an attack on her party leadership or the government's rearmament philosophy [1]. Instead, she aspires to foster open discussions on the path towards a disarmament perspective in the long run [1]
Backlash
Defense Minister Pistorius has flatly rejected the proposals put forth in the manifesto [3]. He contends that it fails to address Putin's unyielding refusal to negotiate and de-escalate, coupled with his persistent military attacks on Ukraine's cities [3].
SPD parliamentary group interior policy spokesman Sebastian Fiedler expresses a mix of confusion, discomfort, and anger regarding the document [2]. He notes that the paper even entertains the notion of cooperation with a war criminal currently planning further assault objectives [2].
The SPD's Eastern Question
Notably, many signatories of the manifesto hail from eastern Germany, where the party suffered substantial losses during the Bundestag election. Eastern Germans appear less receptive to military support for Ukraine and economic disengagement from Russia than their counterparts in other regions of the country [1]. A resolution passed by the federal board ahead of the party conference provides no insight into the party's strategy for regaining ground in the east or how they intend to retrieve lost voters through a harmonious blend of peace and defense policies [1].
Historical PerspectiveThe manifesto has attracted criticism from figures like Michael Roth, the ex-SPD foreign policy expert. He deems it a rejection of reality and a form of historical revisionism [3]. However, Mützenich and other advocates for the document argue that dialogue should prevail over armament, as it offers hope of decreasing casualties and facilitating a long-term peace settlement [2]
Within this divisive political landscape, the SPD grapples with the contentious issue of its community policy, particularly in regards to foreign relations and security, as highlighted by the recently circulated "manifesto" advocating for direct talks with Russia, disarmament, and a reassessment of NATO policy [2][3][5].
Meanwhile, the employment policy within the party itself is under scrutiny, with varying opinions on the "manifesto" proposals causing internal tension [1][3]. General-news outlets have reported on the rift between SPD members, such as Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and Rolf Mützenich, who co-signed the document [1][3]. Crime-and-justice aspects are also at play, as some critics argue the "manifesto" might potentially condone cooperation with war criminals [2].
