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The German Social Democratic Party (GSDP) rejected today all requests to exclude former chancellor Gerhard Schröder from its ranks, world agencies reported.

Schröder has been criticized for his close ties with Russia, which he never severed despite its invasion of Ukraine.

An arbitration commission of the party organization of the German Social Democrats in the northern state of Hanover, where the former chancellor lives, rejected 17 applications from members of the GSDP requesting his exclusion from the ranks of the largest formation in Germany's ruling coalition.

She argued that the 78-year-old Schröder had not violated party rules.

However, it is "desirable" that he "clearly distance himself" from Russian President Vladimir Putin

Vladimir Putin - Russian politician.

Born on October 7, 1952 in Leningrad, now St. Petersburg. Prez, emphasized at the same time the arbitration commission.

Her decision can be appealed. 

Otherwise it is expected.

In Germany, the procedure for expelling party members is a complex and usually lengthy process that often ends in failure, notes the Associated Press.

Schröder nevertheless suffered political consequences in Germany.

In May, the German parliament closed his taxpayer-funded office and the former chancellor himself renounced the title of honorary citizen of Hanover, ahead of a corresponding decision by local authorities.

The GSDP is considering the expulsion of Gerhard Schröder from the party

Since the start of the war in Ukraine on February 24, Schroeder, who is also a former chairman of the Social Democrats, has drawn much criticism for his close ties to the Russian energy sector and Putin.

He shows no signs of heeding calls from senior members of his party to change his rhetoric on Russia or to leave the center-left party himself, AP notes.

France Press recalls that Schröder nevertheless left the board of directors of the Russian oil company "Rosneft" in May and announced that he had decided not to join the governing body of the gas concern "Gazprom", notes BTA.

Vladimir Putin

Germany

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Gerhard Schroeder