Scholz's party to revise policy on Russia

The Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD), a member of the government coalition, has drawn up a document on foreign policy, Caliber.Az reports, citing German media.

It envisages that Germany will take a leading role in Europe and change its policy towards Russia and China.

The 21-page draft document was reported by several German media outlets, including DPA, Handelsblatt and ZDF. It will be discussed at the SPD praesidium on January 23.

The document’s authors are convinced that the country needs to "reconsider its own role in the world and assume greater responsibility".

According to them, Germany has been relying on cooperation with Russia for too long, although it should have started reviewing its policy after Russia's five-day war with Georgia in 2008.

The SPD members are also sure that Europe's security must include protection from Russian actions until there is a fundamental change in the country.

The party called for a review of relations with China as they are convinced that Berlin should become more independent from Beijing economically.

According to the SPD, Germany should be seen as a strong partner in NATO in the future and the German army must be equipped to be able to fulfil its tasks at any time.