In the Lower Saxony state parliament, Prime Minister and SPD state chairman Stephan Weil (SPD) spoke personally for the first time on Wednesday about his earlier contacts with Russia.

At the request of the FDP, Weil listed several contacts with companies such as the oil company Lukoil and the state-controlled Sberbank, but these were "typical company visits".

Weil did not provide any information on the question of whether he had spoken to Gerhard Schröder and his confidant, the former Russian Honorary Consul Heino Wiese, about energy policy issues.

Schröder and Wiese held leading positions in the SPD in Lower Saxony for many years.

Such talks are "not a matter that concerns the prime minister," but a party matter, argued Weil.

He will "not allow any competing party to attempt

Reinhard Bingener

Political correspondent for Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Bremen based in Hanover.

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FDP parliamentary group leader Birkner accused the prime minister of hiding “behind his role as SPD state chairman”.

"The questions are still unanswered in the room," said Birkner.

The FDP also inquired in the state parliament about appearances by the Prime Minister at events organized by Heino Wiese's consulting company.

Wiese told the political journal "Rundblick" that the participants at his events had to pay a fee.

In the near future, Wiese also donated larger amounts to the SPD.

"I really can't see any connection in this regard," Weil said, referring to his speeches at congresses, which you can only attend for a fee.

One-sided focus?

Weil also criticized a one-sided focus on an "alleged Moscow connection" in the SPD.

"If we're honest with each other, with the exception of the Greens, all parties actually have reason to "sweep their own front door," said Weil.

In German foreign policy, there had been a consensus on relations with Russia for years.

At best, there were “different nuances”.

During the state parliament debate, Weil was supported by his own SPD faction, but not by his coalition partner, the CDU, who did not applaud him and questioned the prime minister and the opposition factions critically.

In less than five months, the state elections are due in Lower Saxony.