Applause in Moscow, criticism in Germany: former Chancellor Schröder visited "Globus"
Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder visited one of the hypermarkets in Moscow after being appointed to the supervisory board of the Russian company "Giperglobus". He was welcomed by the staff with applause, while in Germany, his new position is facing sharp criticism.
Applause in Moscow, criticism in Germany: former Chancellor Schröder joined "Globus"
According to RBC, the 82-year-old Schröder greeted the employees of the "Globus" hypermarket on October 7 and met with the company's management and team.
The press service of "Giperglobus" confirmed to DW that the former chancellor will lead the strategic development of the company. A previous statement said that he would participate in general management and assist in long-term planning of activities in the Russian market.
Company representatives explained Schröder's appointment by the need to strengthen expert support. It was noted that his experience would help in an approach based on dialogue and finding constructive solutions.
Meanwhile, Globus Holding in Germany stated that the hypermarkets in Russia have been fully separated from its structure starting January 1, 2025. According to the holding's statement, "Giperglobus" operates legally and organizationally independently.
The business in Russia has been transferred to TMB Holding, a company based in the German city of Sankt Wendel. However, German publications wrote that this company also belongs to the Bruch family, which has been developing the Globus business.
Schröder's new position has caused dissatisfaction among some politicians in Germany. Bundestag member Roderich Kiesewetter, representing the Christian Democratic Union, called it "treason against Europe and his own country."
Janis Kluge, an economist at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs in Berlin, suggested that through this appointment, the company might be trying to protect itself from its assets in Russia being transferred to temporary management.
At the same time, "Giperglobus" plans to expand in Russia. The company announced the construction of a new 24,000-square-meter hypermarket in Zelenograd. The project is expected to involve an investment of 4 billion rubles; once opened, the number of the chain's hypermarkets in Russia is expected to reach 22.
Schröder has previously been criticized for his ties to Russian business. He formerly served on the management of "Rosneft" and the operator of the "Nord Stream" gas pipeline.