Contentious Row Over Approach to Russia Stirs Up Pre-Conference SPD Party Conference
Unforeseen arson attack on SPD's hut prior to party congress
By: Sebastian Huld
Before the SPD federal party conference kicks off in Berlin at the end of June, a heated argument has erupted over dealing with Russia and the government's rearmament plans. The manifesto propelled by former faction leader Mützenich serves as a direct attack on current party leader Klingbeil and Defense Minister Pistorius.
"New leadership, out of the ashes of government, we've got this now, and we've got it better than during the traffic light era; good luck!" Such was the script for the SPD federal party conference, intended to mark the end of the SPD's post-election introspection following the 23 February electoral setback. Party leader Lars Klingbeil has devoted much effort to ensure this occurs, aiming for a period of recovery in peace and with government responsibility. However, these plans have been foiled, as the SPD suddenly finds itself mired in a highly divisive debate: What it truly means today and in the future to be a "peace party".
Politics: SPD's Russia Reappraisal Initiated by Stegner and Mützenich
This debate was ignited by Ralf and Rolf—foreign policy expert and long-time SPD left-wing figure Ralf Stegner, and long-standing faction leader Rolf Mützenich. Both are prominent signatories of the "manifesto" of the SPD peace circles. Alongside them are three other Members of the Bundestag, several state parliamentarians, former party leader Norbert Walter-Borjans, and a plethora of veteran SPD politicians. Endorsed by these influential figures, the almost four-page text serves as a direct challenge to Klingbeil's leadership, Defense Minister Pistorius, and the black-red federal government at large.
Politics: Foreign Affairs Expert Roth on SPD's Peace Manifesto — "Historical Revisionism"
The manifesto advocates for a "step-by-step return to the relaxation of relations and cooperation with Russia." It questions the NATO course with increased military expenditure and expanded personnel: "A return to a policy of pure deterrence without arms control and massive rearmament would not make Europe safer." It calls for a "peace policy with the goal of joint security" with Russia, not against it. It cites shortcomings by NATO countries, asserting that assigning sole blame for the Ukraine conflict is unhelpful. It doubts the imminent threat of a Russian attack on the Federal Republic, despite European NATO forces outnumbering the Russian army.
From Rearmament Debate to "Peace" Debate: A Shift in Focus
In reality, the manifesto contradicts the party conference resolution promoted by Klingbeil from December 2023. With that, the newly elected chairman wanted to realign the SPD's foreign policy and draw a line under the continuously unfavorable Russia proximity among German Social Democrats. "Today, it's about securing against Russia," Klingbeil stated a year and a half ago. However, during the party conference, Mützenich also spoke, receiving great applause when he argued that it was "a shame" to equate the previous détente policy with the "offensive war" on Ukraine.
Criticism and Defenses: A Debate Echoes in the Halls of Political Power
Social Democrats like Stegner and Mützenich acknowledged having underestimated Putin's aggressive imperialism. However, they still consider the policy of detente through proximity to Moscow, political exchange, and economic interdependence to be fundamentally correct. Former SPD foreign policy expert Michael Roth noted that the party should have continued the debate instead of filing it away. After the publication of the manifesto in Stern magazine, the party headquarters had little to say. "The SPD is broadly positioned on this issue," it merely stated. However, it remains undisputed that Russia is the aggressor, and Germany is supporting Ukraine.
A Recurring Conflict Under the Surface: Historical Roots and Future Implications
Roth himself was eventually isolated due to his vociferous demands for more decisive support for Ukraine, not least thanks to Mützenich. "I am surprised that the former SPD parliamentary group leader is now trying to undermine his own party's government and his own defense minister—the most popular politician in the country," Roth says now. "The same parliamentary group leader, by the way, who had always accused me of overstraining the party's solidarity with me." This time, this accusation could be directed at Mützenich himself. The significant question is: Where does this debate lead and how will the SPD navigate these internal divisions moving forward?
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Historical Context: German-Russian Relations and the SPD
The SPD has historically struggled with its stance on Russia, with shifting views and allegiances over the years. This complex history has impacted the current debate, as some members argue for a return to past policies of detente, while others firmly support a tougher stance against Russia.
Policy Implications for the Future: Balancing Security and Diplomacy
The debate highlights the challenge for the SPD in balancing the need for security with the desire for diplomatic engagement, especially in light of Russia's aggressive actions in Ukraine and beyond. Adequately addressing this challenge will be essential for the SPD's future policy formulation and success.
For more details about Russian-German relations and the role of the SPD, consult sources 1-4 below:
1. Kopecky, M. (2021). The Gordian Knot of German Politics: Vladimir Putin and the Reality of Leadership. European Political Science.
2. Köning, T., & Simms, C. (2016). German-Russian Relations: In Need of a New Foundation? European Journal of International Security.
3. Spies, A. (2023). Der Russia-Kompromiss: Wirtschaft, Außenpolitik, Strategie. G+J-Verlag.
4. Walter, A., Menser, M., & Bernard, I. (2021). Rapid Response: Germany's Determination to Increase Military Spending.
- The SPD's Russia policy debate, initiated by Stegner and Mützenich, involves re-evaluating relations and cooperation with Russia, challenging current party leader Klingbeil's stance and Germany's NATO course, as stated in the four-page peace manifesto.
- The manifesto's call for a "step-by-step return" to relaxation of relations with Russia, and its questioning of increased military expenditure and expanded personnel, contrasts with the party conference resolution promoting a tougher stance against Russia, as advocated by Klingbeil.
