Deputy Chairman of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) Thomas Kuchaty no longer sees a future in the party for former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder. "

" The hearings in Hannover will consider 17 requests from regional organizations to expel Schroder from the party, Christoph Mattern, head of the Hanover branch of the SPD, told DW..

Most of them point to Schroeder's position regarding the war unleashed by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, in relation to Putin and Schroeder's activities in Russian energy companies. Neither Schroeder himself nor his lawyer will participate in the hearings.. The decision will be made no later than three weeks after the end of the hearing..

Relations between Gerhard Schroeder, who led the party from 1999-2004 and headed the federal government from 1998 to 2005, have long been difficult with his fellow party members.. Schroder, who has been a friend of Putin since he was German chancellor, has been criticized for his cooperation with Russian energy concerns.. After Russia started the war against Ukraine, the regional branches of the Social Democrats immediately put forward demands for the exclusion of the 78-year-old Schroeder from the party ranks..