DW: What do you think is the current state of social democracy in Germany?
Martin Schulz*: SPD has accepted a bitter defeat in the February Bundestag election. However, I believe that in the coalition negotiations with the CDU/CSU we have pushed through many of our demands. That is why I am optimistic, and I believe that, during the parliamentary term, we will be able to lift this failure.
In Wrocław, you celebrated the 200th anniversary of the founder of social democracy. Or Ferdinand Lasalle. Would he be happy with the SPD?
It is hard to answer the question whether Ferdinand Lasalle would be pleased with us today. I think there's 1 thing he'd be happy about: that people remember him. The Social Democratic organization of Germany is arrogant that in its 160-year tradition it has always been attached to very circumstantial fundamental values. You can say whatever you want about us, you can criticize us, and there are phases where we lose voters. But we cannot be accused of always giving up our values, specified as social justice, tolerance, respect and the fight for democracy.
What about Ferdinand Lassalle's thought of a common Europe? Will she last modern turbulence?
If we look at the situation in April 2025 around the world, this model of Europe, which is simply a model of Lassalle – nations and cultures working together across borders – is more threatened than always before in the 21st and 20th centuries.
What function do you see against this background for Polish-German relations?
Polish-German relations are of existential importance in Europe. We Germans have 9 neighbours, including 2 very large countries and many smaller ones. The biggest ones are France in the west and Poland in the east. That says everything. The Weimar Triangle, which after the restoration of German unity was the thought of bringing Poland closer to Germany and France, is more needed than ever.
Has Poland been somewhat neglected in fresh years by Western politicians?
No, I don't think so. In my own experience, Poland has always played a central function in the European Union. But it must besides be said that it was possible to get the impression that the erstwhile Polish government did not want to play any function in the European Union at all, and that its strategy besides relied for a very long time and very frequently on seeking confrontation alternatively than cooperation. It made relationships difficult.
What can social democrats accomplish in Europe?
Poland has a conservative government with Donald Tuski at the head, and Germany will have a government led by Friedrich Merz. They are the leaders of the 2 largest parties belonging to the centre-right European People's Party, but can regulation only due to the fact that they are supported by social democrats. Both in Germany and Poland. And if not for the Socialist organization in France, which supports the government of Prime Minister Bayrou, France would not have a government capable of acting. We must be clear: without social democratic centre-left policy, there would be no advancement in Europe.
What future mistakes should SPD avoid?
There are 3 rules that we Social Democrats must take to heart absolutely. The first comes from the Social Democratic president of Germany Johannes Raua, who said, "Speak what you are doing, do what you say." People request to feel that politicians do what they say.
Secondly, we have pushed through an investment programme that will aid catch up with the reforms in Germany, make jobs and guarantee social security. This leads me to the 3rd point: People want to know if they and their families are safe in times of economic, environmental and political threats. And we gotta take care of that.
SPD is simply a organization for people who work for their money, not for those who make their money work for them.
Why does this message not scope voters?
We must pay attention to the fact that our election possible is greater than the votes we have actually received. Why do these messages not scope some? My answer is: due to the fact that in fresh years we have been very frequently curious in each other. And it must besides be added that as a party, we paid the price for creating a coalition in the erstwhile word with partners who backed the government against the wall. I mean primarily (liberal) FDP. The Greens tried to work in government in a very loyal way. However, let us not have illusions, the Greens were as injured by the egoism (the head of FDP Christian) of Lindner as the SPD.
Does the fresh coalition between CDU/CSU and SPD have more potential?
If you have a majority of 1 vote in parliament, you can rule. The fresh coalition has much more than a majority of 1 vote and is so able to rule. She took a very crucial step: at least partially freed Germany from this terrible debt brake. In this way, we can launch investments that lead to growth, and in short: erstwhile there is economical growth in Germany, there is growth across Europe. And that's what we need.
*Martin Schulz served in the European Parliament for many years and was at the head of the European Parliament from 2014 to 2017. In 2017, he was a candidate of the German SPD for Chancellor. He besides applied for the position of president of the European Commission for European Social Democracy. present Schulz is president of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation. Recently, he visited Wrocław in connection with the celebration of Ferdinand Lassalle's 200th birthday, founder of social democracy and pioneer of united Europe.
