Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder turns 80 on Sunday. He was a labor market reformer, a friend of Putin and a communicator.
His career is characterized by strange appearances - like this legendary autograph session. Some of his reforms are still controversial today; his Agenda 2010, the new regulation of the labor market, has been particularly criticized. He is trying to make a big impression once again: but the idea that his proximity to the Kremlin could ensure peace in Ukraine remains a futile pose.