“We have neglected the economy, we have dealt too much with secondary issues,” said Schroeder the “Süddeutsche Zeitung” at a meeting in Hanover. “Actually, the country now needs a new agenda policy, but that can only work if the SPD approaches it with real will and courage.” Schröder emphasized that just disgruntledly agreeing to reforms and small steps is the wrong approach.

In the past, social democracy was a driver of social progress and was more courageous. It is now imperative to “rediscuss the question of retirement age” since the last major pension reform was 20 years ago. The SPD can in reforms Don’t always have a bad conscience.

Schröder: “Dual leadership is nonsense and I would abolish it again”

The 81-year-old SPD politician also advises moving away from dual leadership. “The dual leadership is nonsense and I would abolish it again,” emphasized Schröder. “That may work for the Greens, but an organization like the SPD needs clear leadership.” In this context, he called for Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil to be strengthened. He was “without a doubt a good man.” Co-chair Bärbel Bas did not mention Schröder.

Klingbeil wants to give a keynote speech at the Bertelsmann Foundation this Wednesday about reform plans to modernize Germany. But after the defeats in Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate, his authority in the SPD has been severely damaged and the question is what Klingbeil can achieve together with the Union.

“Governing is a reality of life and not just a program reality”

Schröder emphasized that he missed a more life-oriented policy in the federal SPD. “The SPD is still strong wherever it has made it clear to itself that governing is a reality of life and not just a reality of the program,” said Schröder. “I have to deal with this reality of life of those who voted for me and will vote for me in the future.” This creates a completely different understanding of politics than if one understands politics only as the formulation and implementation of one’s own programs.

His statement on election night in 1998 that the country was more important than the party was thrown around his ears. “But that is the core principle that the SPD needs to internalize much more today. Because you don’t do politics for yourself, but for the country.” That’s what I did last time too Cem Özdemir in Baden-Württemberg argued. Unfortunately, this understanding has been somewhat lost in the SPD, especially in the federal government, said Schröder.