A former SPD leader, Norbert Walter-Borjans, has leveled severe criticism at his successor, Lars Klingbeil, in the area of defense policy. Walter-Borjans told the FAZ that the statement that European security is no longer defined in conjunction with, but against, Russia, is closely associated with Klingbeil. He added that Klingbeil fails to represent the opinions of many in the party base, in the Bundestag faction and in the Federal Republic, instead giving a one-sided view. According to Walter-Borjans, Klingbeil’s approach is misguided, as it focuses solely on military preparedness without emphasizing the need for dialogue.
Walter-Borjans believes that Klingbeil does not adequately take into account the diverse currents within the SPD, particularly in regards to the handling of the war in Ukraine. He, himself, has been strongly influenced by Willy Brandt and Johannes Rau, Walter-Borjans said, recalling the leadership of the SPD that he was part of. “I have recognized how well these leadership personalities of the SPD have done in not only considering different currents, but even drawing the most obstinate ones into their proximity and leading the necessary debates with them” Walter-Borjans stated.
The former party leader is a signatory to a “manifesto” that opposes the course of increasing defense spending. Other prominent signatories include Bundestag members Rolf Mützenich and Ralf Stegner. Walter-Borjans told the FAZ that he still holds the principles of détente politics from the 1970s and 1980s to be correct. “I do not believe that the principles need to be changed” he said.
Although there is no justification for “driving millions of civilians into flight, killing tens of thousands and ravaging a country, as Putin does” Walter-Borjans said, the West has also contributed to the escalation in Ukraine. “Of course, mutual steps have contributed to the escalation and we must be careful not to always continue in this way” he stated.