Gerhard Schröder Cancels Nord Stream 2 Testimony in German State Inquiry

The former chancellor, citing health reasons, postponed his appearance before a Mecklenburg-Vorpommern investigative committee probing Russian influence on the controversial pipeline project.

Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder was scheduled to testify on January 24 before a state parliamentary inquiry into the Nord Stream 2 pipeline but canceled due to health issues, reportedly a respiratory illness.
The inquiry is investigating potential Russian influence on the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern government, particularly regarding the creation of a 2021 climate foundation designed to shield pipeline contractors from U.S. sanctions.
Schröder, a key figure in the project and former president of Nord Stream 2 AG, has faced scrutiny for his ties to Russian state energy companies and his relationship with President Vladimir Putin.
Matthias Warnig, former CEO of Nord Stream 2 AG and a close associate of Putin, is set to testify instead, with lawmakers seeking details on the foundation's origins and its ties to Russian entities.
The Nord Stream 2 pipeline, completed in late 2021, was never operational due to Germany's refusal to certify it following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and subsequent pipeline sabotage in 2022.