The Social Democratic Party repositioned itself regarding foreign policy at the party congress. In particular, it is redefining its relationship with Moscow – and openly criticizing its previous policy towards Russia as a mistake.

At the party conference, the Social Democratic Party admitted that there had been a miscalculation in its policy towards Russia before the war in Ukraine. The assumption that increasingly stronger economic ties would contribute to democratization in Russia was a big mistake, and led to Germany’s reliance on energy policy, according to a key foreign policy proposal accepted by delegates.

According to the proposal titled “The Social Democratic Answer to a World in Transition,” the Social Democratic Party’s decision rejects the normalization of relations with the government in Moscow “as long as Russia pursues its imperialist goal of conquering and oppressing sovereign states.”

– Self-criticism of party and faction leaders

In the party conference debate, SPD representatives were self-critical. Social Democratic Party leader Lars Klingbeil said, „It would be a mistake not to distance ourselves from Putin’s regime sooner.” Party leader Rolf Mutzenich admitted that he „completely underestimated” the imperial ideology of Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin.

After the Russian attack on Ukraine, the Social Democratic Party was accused of long underestimating the security risks posed by Russia. The 2021 election program said: “Peace in Europe cannot be against Russia, but only with it.” Now this sentence has turned into its opposite in the party conference decision: “As long as nothing fundamentally changes in Russia, Europe’s security must be organized against Russia.”

defend Détente policy Under Brandt

At the same time, Mutzenich opposed attempts to discredit the Social Democratic Party’s traditional policy of détente. He said it was a shame that they joined the aggressive war against Ukraine.

Klingbeil also defended the policy towards the Soviet Union initiated by then Social Democratic Party Chancellor Willy Brandt. He added that instead of coming to terms with their own Russia policy, conservatives over the past two years have tried to „throw mud on Willy Brandt’s legacy.” This will not be allowed to be damaged.

“Military as a means peace policy”

With the Social Democratic Party’s decision, the party calls for a leadership role for Germany in the world. The Party Congress resolution explicitly recognizes the army as a means of peace policy. It is also said that a sovereign Europe is the most important political response to changing times.

In addition to expanding the internal market and strengthening a social Europe, it is also important “for the EU to overcome inefficient and ineffective fragmentation in its defense policy and arms industries.”

Regarding Eastern European policy, it is important to „create the necessary conditions for the accession of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia as soon as possible.” The resolution confirms that countries around the world expect “Germany to show more initiative and play a leadership role at the international level.” Regarding China, it requires a “flexible European strategy capable of reducing risks.”

Schultz: Long-term assistance to Ukraine

At the party congress, Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for continuing to support Ukraine in the war against Russia for years to come, if necessary. Since the Russian attack in February 2022, Germany has provided Ukraine with billions in financial aid and large-scale arms shipments.

Given the difficulty of budgeting, there are fears that the federal government will reduce its aid. “This war may not end anytime soon,” Schulz said. It is therefore important „that we are able to continue to support Ukraine in its defensive struggle for a long time.” This applies not only to this year, or next year, but perhaps also to the year after that.

The chancellor said Germany must be prepared to do more „when others weaken,” in an apparent reference to the unclear political situation in the United States ahead of next year’s presidential elections. Therefore, decisions are necessary from the German side “so that we can do this.”