Increasing scrutiny is being directed towards the travels undertaken by former SPD chairman Matthias Platzeck to Russia, with criticism mounting from within the Social Democratic Party itself. Several SPD historians have voiced concerns regarding the former Brandenburg state premier’s visits, questioning their political judgment and appropriateness given the ongoing geopolitical climate.
Bernd Rother, a historian and SPD member affiliated with the party’s history forum, told the Tagesspiegel that Platzeck’s trips represent “a political blunder and demonstrate considerable naivete”. Rother expressed skepticism about the possibility of diplomatic progress with Vladimir Putin, adding that it is “painful to see a former SPD chairman lose his political compass.
Jan Claas Behrends, a historian at the Leibniz Centre for Contemporary Historical Research in Potsdam, similarly criticized the frequency and nature of the travels. Behrends deemed Platzeck’s actions as exhibiting “astonishing hubris” given his previous role as a state premier attempting to influence international affairs. He specifically raised concerns regarding the sheer number of visits undertaken.
The repeated trips to Moscow, Behrends argues, have undermined Platzeck’s credibility. He questioned the sincerity of Platzeck’s earlier expressions of empathy for Ukraine, suggesting they may have been disingenuous given the lack of a visit to Kyiv. Behrends acknowledged that Platzeck is not alone in maintaining contact with Russia despite the ongoing war in Ukraine. He concluded that Platzeck’s 2022 admission that he had viewed the situation through a “Russian lens” appears to remain accurate.
Adding to the calls for transparency, Knut Abraham, a CDU member of the Bundestag and foreign policy representative for the conservative bloc, has formally requested clarification regarding the purpose and individuals involved in Platzeck’s Russian travels. Abraham stated that Platzeck must openly disclose his activities and meetings in Russia, asserting that without such a disclosure, assertions regarding the preservation of diplomatic channels will lack credibility.