Gerhard Schröder was always quite open about this: After the end of his chancellorship, he wanted to earn money.
In the past, you needed money to go into politics.
So today you go into politics to make money out of it.
But if that's the business model - why should the state support top political earners with half a dozen employees plus an office?
There is no question: there are “post-official duties”.
Former heads of state and government hold appointments for the country.
There is therefore nothing to be said against adequate equipment that reflects the importance of the former office.
Official dignity continues to have an effect – hopefully on all sides.
For this reason, one should save oneself from an overly petty check.
It doesn't need a "Lex Schröder".
But the behavior of former officials is significant - even pension rights are not sacrosanct.
A civil servant must not work against his country and support a war of aggression - neither can a former one.
This is especially true for a former head of government.
Schroeder had his merits.
They won't be wiped out either.
But he doesn't have to be given extra support for his gas deals, which have already cost him many a follower.
One can indeed argue about the paths to peace and international understanding.
But that's not what Schröder is about.
The main thing is that the ruble rolls.