German SPD Divided: Peace Manifesto Sparks Fierce Debate Ahead of Party Congress

Berlin, Germany – A "peace manifesto" signed by prominent members of Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD) has ignited a heated internal debate just before the party's upcoming federal congress. The document, championed by figures such as Bundestag member Ralf Stegner and former faction leader Rolf Mützenich, calls for a shift towards diplomatic solutions in the Ukraine conflict instead of continued weapon deliveries. It also expresses opposition to the stationing of new US missiles on German soil. This initiative has met with strong opposition from the SPD's current leadership. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, in a sharp rebuke, labeled the manifesto as "reality denial." Critics within the party argue that the manifesto's proposals echo a long-standing, Russia-friendly tradition within the SPD, a stance they believed had been overcome, particularly following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The party leadership is confident that the majority of members do not share the views expressed in the manifesto. However, the intensity of the current dispute is unprecedented for the SPD in recent times. The upcoming party congress is expected to be dominated by these security policy discussions, highlighting deep divisions on Germany's approach to international conflicts and defense spending.