A senior Social Democratic Party (SPD) official, Rolf Mützenich, has defended the ‘Peace Manifesto’ and his openness to dialogue with Russia, dismissing the notion that it is an attack on the party’s leader, Lars Klingbeil, or the course of Chancellor Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU).
Mützenich, a long-time SPD faction leader, told the Süddeutsche Zeitung that Russian President Vladimir Putin is more entrenched in power than ever and that finding a way to coexist with Russia is crucial for securing the future. He cited the recent prisoner exchanges and agreements on grain shipments through the United Nations and Turkey as evidence that even small steps can bring progress in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Despite Russia’s numerous human rights abuses, Mützenich believes that engaging with Putin is the only option. He expressed surprise at the reactions to the manifesto, saying it does not contain anything offensive and is simply a response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which is linked to the efforts of US President Donald Trump to resolve the conflict.
Mützenich rejected accusations that he is promoting a naive policy and appeasing Putin, saying that the alternative to diplomatic efforts is not a military confrontation, but rather a stalemate that would not bring an end to the conflict. He also criticized those who are quick to criticize him, but not willing to engage in self-reflection and suggested that the SPD should have a broader debate on its Russia policy.
Mützenich denied that his support for the manifesto is an attack on Klingbeil, saying that the document has been circulating in the party for weeks and is not a secret. He also criticized the notion that those who signed the manifesto might switch to the left-wing party, the Bundnis 90/Die Grünen, led by Sahra Wagenknecht, calling it a sad development.
Furthermore, Mützenich lamented the lack of discussion within the SPD on a new Russia policy, saying that the party has become too averse to nuance and that he has repeatedly tried to initiate a debate, but to no avail.