A group of influential German Social Democrats has published a manifesto urging the government to «end militarization and start negotiations with Russia»
Political life in Germany experienced significant upheaval in mid-June, with an unexpected blow against Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government coming from the Social Democrats, coalition partners of the conservatives.
«Militaristic alarmist rhetoric and massive arms buildup programs do not increase security for Germany and Europe; rather, they destabilize the region and intensify mutual perceptions of threat between NATO and Russia». This is the key message of the manifesto titled «Ensuring Peace in Europe through Defense Capability, Arms Control, and Mutual Understanding», signed by about a hundred federal and regional-level politicians from the left wing of the SPD. They recall the era of Chancellor Willy Brandt, who laid the groundwork for détente between East and West, and Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, who fostered successful economic cooperation with Russia.
The manifesto demands a fundamental shift in foreign and security policy. Its authors are dissatisfied that those advocating a strategy of military confrontation and allocating hundreds of billions of euros to armaments have gained the upper hand in Germany and the EU. They deem the proposed NATO spending of 5% of GDP irrational. The signatories propose, following a peaceful resolution of the Ukrainian crisis, «a phased return to détente and closer cooperation with Russia». They see this as a worthy alternative to rearming the German army, a policy actively promoted by their party colleague, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.
The document explicitly calls for Germany not to deploy American long-range weapons, specifically referencing plans from 2026 to station Tomahawk cruise missiles and hypersonic weapons on German territory. The authors argue this step, intended to strengthen Bundeswehr capabilities until Europeans develop their own similar armaments, contradicts the 2024 decision by former Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his cabinet.
Among those signing the manifesto were prominent figures such as Rolf Mützenich, former leader of the SPD parliamentary group; Ralf Stegner, a foreign policy expert formerly in the party’s federal leadership; Norbert Walter-Borjans, former co-chairman of the party; and Hans Eichel, former finance minister under Schröder. The German press initially sought to dismiss this move as a mere «protest of the former leaders», but this interpretation is incorrect. A party conference scheduled for the end of June will analyze the reasons for the SPD’s defeat in the snap parliamentary elections, elect new leadership, and develop a strategic program. Simultaneously, a NATO summit in The Hague will discuss the controversial increase in member states’ military spending from 3.5% to 5% of GDP. Thus, the Social Democrats will have an opportunity not only to seriously consider the veterans’ views but also to adjust their approaches.
German political discourse is generally stark — either «for» or «against». Since the start of Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine, two irreconcilable camps have emerged: the «warmongers» advocating rearmament and sanctions, and the proponents of negotiations, labeled «Putinversteher» (those who understand Putin). Currently, the former dominate the SPD, but the upcoming conference could shift this balance.
«It’s surprising that such a realistic manifesto did not emerge within the SPD when Scholz’s leadership was in power», remarked German political scientist Alexander Rahr. «Then it might have been possible to reach a diplomatic solution to the conflict. What were they thinking three years ago? Or was Germany merely doing what the US and Britain demanded?» Even if belatedly, a period of reassessment seems underway.
Chancellor Merz chose not to comment directly on the manifesto, although the document clearly challenges the coalition government’s policy and specifically Vice-Chancellor and SPD co-chair Lars Klingbeil.
«We in the federal government remain fully united in our assessment of Russia’s war against Ukraine and the conclusions to be drawn from it. I expect this unity to persist», Merz stated.
Nevertheless, the SPD veterans’ protest has already resonated both internationally and domestically. Several left-wing European parties predict rising influence from pacifist factions, inspired by the courageous stance of the SPD’s «old guard». Domestically, Sahra Wagenknecht — whose party failed to enter parliament due to inconsistent stances on war and peace — sensed potential division within the SPD and quickly offered collaboration, even hinting at possible membership, to SPD members opposing Merz and Klingbeil’s direction.
Applause for the manifesto also came from the opposition Alternative for Germany (AfD), whose leadership appreciates the emerging contradictions within the ruling «GroKo» coalition.
Thus, the «old guard» has stepped firmly back onto center stage.