Merz Condemns Schröder's Moscow Visit to Putin Birthday

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed outrage over former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder attending Putin's birthday in Moscow, a symbolic act that strains German political norms and highlights divisions over Russia policy. The visit is a personal gesture by Schröder, who has maintained close ties to Russian energy interests, and does not represent official German policy. It underscores ongoing tensions within Germany over engagement with Russia amid the Ukraine conflict.